er when the canoe
capsized the night before, had stopped.

He paused for a moment at the open window to look out upon the nearby
forest and expand his lungs with delicious draughts of the fragrant
air. It was a glorious day, and as he left the window to make a hasty
toilet his nerves tingled in eager anticipation, for he was at last at
the threshold of the great Labrador wilderness--his land of dreams and
romance. He was certain it held for him many novel experiences and
perhaps thrilling adventures. And he was not to be disappointed.

His clothes, which Richard had hung to dry by the stove the night
before, lay on a stool at his bedside, neatly folded. Some one had
placed them there while he slept. He donned them quickly, and
descending to the living-room found the table spread and Mrs. Gray
preparing to set a pot of tea to brew.

"Good morning, sir," she greeted, adding solicitously: "I hopes you
had a good rest, and feels none the worse for gettin' wet last
evenin'."

"Good morning," said Shad. "I rested splendidly, thank you, and feel
fine and dandy. Whew!" he exclaimed, glancing at the mantel clock.
"Twelve o'clock!"

"Aye. We was wonderful careful t' be quiet an' not wake you, sir," she
explained. "'Tis well t' have plenty o' rest after a wettin' in
th' Bay. Dinner's just ready," and going to the open door she called,
"Emily! Emily!"

A young girl, perhaps twelve years of age, quickly entered in response
to the summons. She was clad in a cool, fresh print frock and wore
deerskin moccasins upon her feet. Her wavy chestnut-brown hair,
gathered with a ribbon, hung down her back; her oval face, lighted by
big blue eyes, was tanned a healthy brown, and Shad thought her a
rather pretty and altogether wholesome looking child, as she paused in
confusion at the threshold upon seeing him.

"Emily, dear, get Mr. Trowbridge a basin o' water, now; he's wantin'
t' wash up," directed Mrs. Gray. "Mr. Trowbridge, this is our little
maid, Emily."

"I'm glad to know you, Emily," said Shad courteously. "Have you quite
recovered from your injury? When I was at Fort Pelican I heard all
about you and your trip to St. Johns."

"I's fine now, thank you, sir," answered Emily, flushing to the roots
of her hair.

"Yes, Emily's fine an' well now, sir," assured Mrs. Gray, as Emily
turned to fill the basin of water. "But she were wonderful bad after
her fall till she goes t' th' hospital in St. Johns t' be cured.
They's a fr