have occurred, and that, from something he
said, there may perhaps be some poor fellows lying on the shore there."

"If so, they will surely perish in such weather," said McLeod, "and the
least we can do is to go and try to rescue them."

"No need for you to go," said the trapper, "I will go alone with a small
supply of provisions, and see whether it be true. If I find any of 'em
alive I can make them comfortable enough for a short time, and then
return here for such help as may be required."

"You'll start at once, then?" asked McLeod.

"Yes, at once."

"Here, have something to eat first," said Kenneth, pointing to the
viands.

Jonas Bellew accepted the invitation. At once he sat down, and ate in
silence heartily, while the elder McLeod read the letter.

"Have you bad news?" asked Ian, as he watched his father's face.

"Not exactly bad, but it's disappointing. This is from Gambart.--
Listen.

"My dear McLeod,--I have just heard that the flour-mill in this place
which you were so anxious to purchase has come unexpectedly into the
market, owing to the sudden death of its owner. It is to be had cheap
too--at a very much lower figure than you offered before leaving
Partridge Bay. I strongly advise you to secure it without delay.
This letter goes by Sam Smalls to Bellew the trapper, who will
doubtless deliver it to you. You'd better send him straight back with
your reply."

"Humph! good advice this time," said Ian when his father ceased to read,
"if we could only take it. 'Tis hard to have every penny we possess
locked up, with such a chance before us. Couldn't we borrow, in the
meantime, from Gambart himself?"

"I will never purchase property with borrowed capital," replied the
elder McLeod.

"Well, it can't be helped," said Ian, consoling himself with another
slice of cold pork.

"Now I'm ready to start," said Bellew, rising and wiping his mouth with
the cuff of his capote.

In a few minutes the trapper, on snow-shoes, and with a pack of
provisions on his back, was striding down the coast at a pace that soon
left the Creek far behind him.

Three days after this incident the trio at Jenkins Creek were aroused,
while sitting at their mid-day meal, by the tinkle of sleigh-bells.
Their sitting-room window was filled chiefly with parchment, but there
was one square of it filled with glass. Through this, as from a
loop-hole, the inmates could reconnoitre any one who approached their