now another difficulty presented
itself to him. He alone could not haul out the imprisoned man, and the
men below could be of little service, as the rope if pulled on would
surely get caught in the ragged edge of the rotten tree. It was now
that Alec saw the value of Mustagan's forethought in giving him that
ball of deerskin twine.

Calling up to him Mustagan said:

"Hold on to the end of that twine, and let the ball drop to me."

This Alec at once did. Then Mustagan fastened a good solid green birch
stick about four feet long and five or six inches in diameter to the
string, and then said to Alec:

"Now draw it up and lay it across the top of the tree, where it will
rest firm and strong."

This was quickly done. Then calling to Pasche to tie the end let down
to him about his waist, and then to hold on, he placed the rope over the
strong, smooth green stick he had pulled up, and then gave the word to
the men below to haul away. No second order was necessary, and soon
Pasche was pulled up to the top. He had no difficulty in slipping down
the inclined tree, weak as he was. Alec also safely reached the ground.
Poor Pasche was quickly placed on a dog-sled, and they all hurried back
to the fire, where some tea and food were hastily prepared for the
hungry, half-frozen man. He was so weak and exhausted that it was
thought best not to trouble him to tell his story until they had all
returned to Sagasta-weekee.

The journey home was soon made, and there was great rejoicing at the
recovery of the poor fellow. The following is his quaint story of his
adventures:

"Well, you see, I was emulous. Les garcons--the boys--they succeed.
They capture le renard--the fox--the wild cat, and other animals. And
still they not natives. So I think it over when I milk la vache, and
Sam he pushed open la porte and he show me fine cross-fox he caught, and
that make me emulous. So I take my wage le maitre he give, and exchange
for the traps. When my work is done, en avant, on I go to the great
woods. Aller a pied--I walk--I carry my traps, I set them with much
bait. I get nothing. Le chien--the dog--he follows, he gets in the
traps. Then I try again. I go far away this time. I set my traps, I
await with tranquillity. It is far in the woods. I wait trois days.
Then I go to see if le renard, like Sam's, is in my trap. Aussitot que
possible--as soon as possible--I reach my traps. There is no renard.
So I return home.