to construct some sort of nose-bag, but hitherto
without success, owing to the uncomfortable fact that the breath issuing
from that organ immediately freezes, and converts the covering into a
bag of snow or ice, which is not agreeable. Round his neck Harry wound
a thick shawl of such portentous dimensions that it entirely enveloped
the neck and lower part of the face; thus the entire head was, as it
were, eclipsed--the eyes, the nose, and the cheek-bones alone being
visible. He then threw on a coat made of deer-skin, so prepared that it
bore a slight resemblance to excessively coarse chamois leather. It was
somewhat in the form of a long, wide sur-tout, overlapping very much in
front, and confined closely to the figure by means of a scarlet worsted
belt instead of buttons, and was ornamented round the foot by a number
of cuts, which produced a fringe of little tails. Being lined with
thick flannel, this portion of attire was rather heavy, but extremely
necessary. A pair of blue cloth leggings having a loose flap on the
outside, were next drawn over the trousers, as an additional protection
to the knees. The feet, besides being portions of the body that are
peculiarly susceptible of cold, had further to contend against the
chafing of the lines which attach them to the snow-shoes, so that
special care in their preparation for duty was necessary. First were
put on a pair of blanketing or duffel socks, which were merely oblong in
form, without sewing or making-up of any kind. These were wrapped round
the feet, which were next thrust into a pair of made-up socks, of the
same material, having ankle-pieces; above these were put _another_ pair,
_without_ flaps for the ankles. Over all was drawn a pair of moccasins
made of stout deer-skin, similar to that of the coat. Of course, the
elegance of Harry's feet was entirely destroyed, and had he been met in
this guise by any of his friends in the "old country," they would
infallibly have come to the conclusion that he was afflicted with gout.
Over his shoulders he slung a powder-horn and shot-pouch, the latter
tastefully embroidered with dyed quill-work. A pair of deerskin
mittens, having a little bag for the thumb and a large bag for the
fingers, completed his costume.

While the three were making ready, with a running accompaniment of
grunts and groans at refractory pieces of apparel, the night without
became darker, and the snow fell thicker, so that when they issued
s