tion.

Ossaroo still felt full confidence in his bow and arrows; and should
these fail, there was his fishing-net; and if that also were to draw
blank, the experienced shikaree knew a score of other schemes for
circumventing the beasts of the earth, the birds of the air, and the
finny denizens of the water. Karl expressed his determination, as soon
as spring should return, to commence cultivating certain edible roots
and plants, which grew rather sparsely around, but, by the careful
propagation of which, a crop might be procured of sufficient abundance.
Moreover, they resolved that in the following year they should store up
such wild fruits and berries as were fit for food; and thus insure
themselves against any chance of famine for months to come. The failure
of their late attempt with the ladders had reproduced within them the
firm though fearful conviction, that for the rest of their lives they
were destined to dwell within the mountain valley--never more to go
beyond the bounds of that stupendous prison-like wall that encircled
them.

With this impression now freshly stamped upon their minds, they returned
to speculate on the means of present existence, as also on that of their
more immediate future; and in this way did they pass the last hour of
the night--that which was succeeded by the daybreak.

As the first streaks of dawning day appeared upon the snowy summits--
several of which were visible from the door of the hut--all three might
have been seen outside preparing themselves for the execution of some
important design. Their purpose might easily be told from the character
of their preparations. Caspar was charging his double-barrelled gun;
and carefully too--for it was the "last shot in his locker."

Karl was similarly employed with his rifle, while Ossaroo was arming
himself in his peculiar fashion, looking to the string of his bow, and
filling the little wicker bag, that constituted his quiver, with
sharp-pointed arrows.

From this it was evident that the chase was the occupation immediately
intended, and that all three were about to engage in it. In truth, they
were going out in search of something for their breakfast; and if a keen
appetite could ensure success, they could scarce fail in procuring it:
for they were all three as hungry as wolves.

Fritz, too, was as hungry as any of them; and looked as if he meant to
do his best in helping them to procure the material for a meal. Any
creature,