y powder lying round loose to-morrow, with such a
face as that. As for Creamer, he can't have any cotton sheets to-night,
for fear of a conflagration. I don't think I ever saw anybody burn as
bad as Kennedy has; and this is only the first day, too. A few days more
like this would peel him down to an 'atomy. As to La Salle, he's too
black to take any more color, but Risk and Davies won't dare to go home
for a good two weeks at least."

In truth, the whole party had received a notable tanning, for the
winter's sun, weak as it is compared with its summer fervor, has never
such an effect upon the exposed skin, as when its rays are reflected
from the millions of tiny specula of the glistening ice-field. The free
use of soothing and cooling ointments will prevent the blistering and
tan, to a great extent; but many on their "first hunt" lose the cuticle
from the entire face; and many a seal has been lost on the floes, owing
to the rapid decomposition produced by the sun's feeble rays thus
intensified.

Notwithstanding their "tanning", however, the party were in splendid
spirits, and ate their roast goose, potatoes, and hot bread with a gusto
which far more delicate viands at home would fail to provoke. As the
meal proceeded, and the merry jest went round, all feelings of fatigue,
pain, and discomfort were lost in the revulsion of comfort which a full
meal produces in a man of thoroughly healthy physique. How few of us in
the crowded cities know, or indeed can appreciate, the pleasures of the
hardy sportsman. To bear wet, cold, and discomfort; to exercise
patience, skill, and endurance; and to undergo the extreme point of
fatigue, was the sum of nearly every day's experience of the members of
the party; but when their heavy guns and cumbrous clothing were laid
aside, the rough chair and cushionless settle afforded luxurious rest,
the craving appetite made their coarse fare a delightsome feast, and
when, warm, full-fed, and refreshed, they invoked the dreamy solace of
the deity Nicotiana, the sense of animal pleasure and satisfaction was
complete.

"Is your pipe filled, Creamer?" asked Lund, carelessly.

"Yes; but you'll not get it until you give us the story you're to tell
us this night. Faith, there's not one of us can beat you at the same
trade, and it's little of fact that you'll give us, any how."

"For shame, Hughie, to malign the credibility of an old friend in that
way, and me the father of a family. I'm almost read