ead out, boys, into a line abreast. Don't let them get a raking shot
at you. Make for that rising ground over there."

"I thought the old man wouldn't clear out without giving them a little
fun," said McKinstry. "'Twouldn't be neighbourly after all the trouble
they are taking to entertain us."

We retreated till we reached the rising ground, and then made a stand.
The Canadians and Indians had snowshoes, and were a good deal ahead of
the regulars. As they approached us, McKinstry said: "I wonder what kind
of a shot you can make, Ben, with that French gun you've got. I'll take
that big Frenchman over there with the blue shirt on."

"Well, then, I'll take the fellow next to him on the left."

They ran up toward us, and began to fire. We waited till they got close,
and returned their fire. As the smoke blew away, McKinstry said:--

[Sidenote: A WARM RECEPTION]

"Both of our men are down. You did well, Ben. It's a good deal easier to
shoot a partridge than it is to shoot a man who is running at you with a
gun in his hand."

The French fell back and waited for the regulars, and we started on
again.

We reached a long ridge, and crossing to the further side of it, halted.

They came close to us, and McKinstry and I again chose our men. The
Rangers poured a hot fire into them. We could not see till the smoke
lifted.

"Your man is down, Ben; and I can see my man running away, but he
limps."

"His toes may be frost-bitten, Mac."

"They weren't five minutes ago."

Our last fire completely routed the French, and they gave up the
pursuit.

Two Rangers were killed; one of them was next to me as he fell. The
regular who went with us was shot, and an Indian was wounded.

Of the enemy, some thirty were killed. We had the advantage in
position, being sheltered by the ridge.

We kept on the go till twelve o'clock that night, having marched over
fifty miles since we started in the morning. This, together with our
three small scrimmages, might be considered an ample day's work. The
snow was about four feet deep, and many of the party had their feet
frozen, for it was bitter cold.

When we got to Sabbath Day Point, we found the rest of our men there,
and a number of good fires. We warmed ourselves at them, and our
companions brought us some warm food and drink.

Amos's ear was puffed up, and his toes were so sore he could hardly
walk.

We were very tired, and rolled ourselves up in our blankets near the
fires, and