icy reeds. Others
rushed about in a vain attempt to escape, but they were so chilled by
the cold that they were easily captured. The sleds were piled up with
this additional load of geese, and the journey was resumed.

Later on in the evening the boys heard from Kinesasis more about those
young geese and why they were there. They also learned some truths from
nature that abode with them for many a day.

Without much difficulty the dangerous places in Playgreen Lake were
passed, and the return run down Jack River was begun. The loose young
dogs were pretty well wearied by the long trip and required some
coaxing, and even the occasional crack of the whip was necessary to urge
them to keep up. It is amazing what a latent amount of strength and
speed there is in a tired dog. Here was a striking example of it.
While the trains were jogging along, and the young dogs with tongues out
and tails down were wearily following after and looking as though they
were deeply bemoaning their lot, suddenly a splendid cross-fox sprang
out from the dense forest on one side of the river and deliberately
dashed across before the dogs on the frozen ice toward the other shore.
All evidence of weariness at once disappeared. With a hue and cry that
would have done credit to a first-class pack of hounds they were all
off, sleigh dogs as well as loose ones.

The ice was so slippery that it required quite an effort on the part of
the drivers of the carioles to control their dogs and get them in line.
If the truth must be told, the boys richly enjoyed the short burst of
speed and the exciting chase, which ended almost as soon as it began,
for Reynard was too much for the young dogs and soon reached the shelter
of the wooded shore.

The beautiful evening stars were shining in the western sky ere the
welcome lights in the windows of Sagasta-weekee were seen. A hearty
welcome was given to the returning party by Mrs Ross and the children.
All were anxious to hear about the first day's winter outing, and each
boy had to give his own version of the day's excitements and pleasures.

The commodious kennels were soon taken possession of by the tired dogs.
Indian servants had abundance of fish ready for them, and a watchful
oversight was kept upon them that the stronger ones should not rob the
weaker or younger ones, a trick, we are sorry to say, of which some dogs
are guilty.

After the hearty supper and prayers were over in the dining room, an