shore
Bob looked back to see Bessie still standing in the cabin door, waving
her handkerchief to him, and he regretted that he had not shown more
plainly his appreciation of her gift and her thoughtfulness.

The following Monday was the day set for the departure of the
adventurers, and in accordance with a previous arrangement, late on
Sunday afternoon Dick Blake, Ed Matheson, and Bill Campbell, Ungava
Bob's trapping companions, joined him and Shad at Wolf Bight, where
they were to spend the night. Bill Campbell was a tall, awkward,
bashful young man of twenty-one, whose chief physical characteristic
was a great shock of curly red hair.

Monday morning came all too soon. Breakfast was eaten by candle light,
and with the first grey hints of coming dawn the boat and Shad's canoe
were loaded for the start.

Shad's tent and camping equipment, less heavy and cumbersome than
Bob's, together with a limited supply of provisions for daily use upon
the journey to the plateau, were carried in the canoe. The bulk of the
provisions and the heavier outfit for the trails, made up into easily
portaged packs, were stowed in the boat. This arrangement of the
outfit was made to avoid the necessity of unpacking and repacking at
night camp, and with packs thus always ready for the carry, much time
could be saved.

The family gathered at the shore to bid the travellers farewell.
First, the boat with Dick Blake, Ed Matheson, and Bill Campbell at the
oars pulled off into the curtain of heavy morning mist that lay upon
the waters. Then Bob kissed his mother and Emily, pressed his father's
hand, took his place in the canoe with Shad, and a moment later they,
too, were swallowed up by the fog.

The long journey, to be followed by a winter of hardship and
adventure, was begun, and with heavy hearts the little family upon the
shore turned back to their lowly cabin and weary months of misgiving
and uncertainty.

V

IN THE FAR WILDERNESS

Beyond the sheltered bight a good breeze was blowing and presently, as
the sun arose and the mist lifted from the water, Shad and Bob,
keeping close to shore, discovered the boat a half-mile away with
sails hoisted, bowling along at good speed.

"We'll be makin' rare time, now," said Bob. "We'll be passin' Rabbit
Island in an hour, an' makin' the Traverspine t' boil th' kettle for
dinner."

"No rapids to-day?" asked Shad.

"No, th' portage at Muskrat Falls is th' first," answered Bob, adding
unc