placed on the ground; on this the robes and
blankets are spread; and then the missionary, wrapping himself up in all
the garments he can well get on, retires first and is well covered up by
additional blankets and fur robes. So completely tucked in is he that
it is a mystery why he does not smother to death. But somehow he
manages to survive, and after a while gets to stand it like an Indian.
Persons unacquainted with this kind of life can hardly realise how it is
possible for human beings to thus lie down in a hole in the snow, and
sleep comfortably with the temperature everywhere from forty to sixty
below zero. However, difficult as it is, it has to be done if the
Gospel is to be carried to people so remote that there is no better way
of reaching them. Such travellers are always thankful when a foot or
eighteen inches of snow falls upon them. It is a capital comforter, and
adds very much to their warmth.

One of the most difficult things in connection with this kind of
travelling is getting up. The fire which was burning brightly when they
retired was but a flashy one, and so it expired very soon, and did not
long add much to their comfort. And now when morning has come, and they
have to spring up from their warm robes and blankets, the cold is so
terrible that they suffer very much. No wonder they shiver and quickly
get to work. Soon a roaring fire is burning, and breakfast prepared and
enjoyed. After morning prayers the sleds are packed, the dogs are
harnessed, and the journey is resumed.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

THE MISSIONARY AT WORK.

Eight times was the wintry camp made on this long trip, which was full
of strange adventures and many hardships to every one of the party; and
so they were glad indeed when Murdo and Oowikapun told the others, on
the ninth day, at about noon, that they were only six miles from Nelson
River.

This was indeed welcome news to all, especially to the missionary. He
had not had the severe physical training which naturally falls to the
lot of an Indian. True, he had his own dog-sled, and was supposed to
ride when possible; but there were whole days when he had to strap on
his snow-shoes and march along in single file with his Indians, and, as
happy Oowikapun put it in his broken English, "Good missionary help make
um track."

The result of this "make um track" business was that he was about worn
out ere the journey was ended. Several times had the cramps seized him
in su