eces and not to mind the hides, for
we shall not be able to carry much. And tell him to be quick, Mr
Henry, for it will not do for Mr Alfred to remain till his arm gets
stiff. We have many miles to get home again."

In the course of ten minutes Malachi and John had skinned the puma, and
Martin made his appearance with the haunches of two of the deer, which
he said was as much as they well could carry, and they all set off on
their return home.

Alfred had not proceeded far when he found himself in great pain, the
walking upon snow-shoes requiring so much motion as to open the wounds
and make them bleed again; but Malachi gave him his assistance, and
having procured him some more water, they continued their route.

After a time the wounds became more stiff, and Alfred appeared to be
more oppressed by the pain; they proceeded, however, as fast as they
could, and at nightfall were not far from home. But Alfred moved with
great difficulty; he had become very faint--so much so, that Martin
requested John would throw down the venison, and hasten before them to
request Mr Campbell to send some brandy or other cordial to support
Alfred, who was scarcely able to move on from weakness and loss of
blood. As they were not more than a mile from the house, John was soon
there, and hastening in at the door, he gave his message in presence of
Mrs Campbell and his cousins, who were in a state of great distress at
the intelligence. Mr Campbell went to his room for the spirits, and as
soon as he brought it out, Emma seized her bonnet, and said that she
would accompany John.

Mr and Mrs Campbell had no time to raise any objection if they were
inclined, for Emma was out of the door in a moment, with John at her
heels. But Emma quite forgot that she had no snow-shoes, and before she
had gone half the distance, she found herself as much fatigued as if she
had walked miles, and she sank deeper and deeper in the snow every
minute that she advanced. At last they arrived, and found the party.
Alfred was lying insensible on the snow, and the others making a litter
of branches that they might carry him to the house.

A little brandy poured down his throat brought Alfred to his senses; and
as he opened his eyes he perceived Emma hanging over him.

"Dear Emma, how kind of you!" said he, attempting to rise.

"Do not move, Alfred; they will soon have the litter ready, and then you
will be carried to the house. It is not far off."

"I a