left, though you not feel left
foot! Let me see."

"That's it, Gibault, rub away; if your jokes were as good as your
surgery you'd be too good, a long way, for the backwoods."

By dint of chafing and rubbing and leaping and stamping, the whole party
were soon restored to a serviceable condition, after which they set
about active preparations for departure.

First, they ransacked the tents, where they discovered all the guns that
had been taken from Bertram's party. These they tied up in a bundle,
after each had secured one for his own use. Among them the artist
found, to his intense delight, his own double-barrelled gun, the loss of
which he had mourned most sincerely.

Next, they secured the horses, which, being hobbled, as we have said
elsewhere, were easily caught. Then the powder-horns and shot-belts of
Bertram's party were found, and, being full of ammunition, were slung
across their shoulders forthwith. Among other things belonging to the
same party were discovered a number of blankets, some tea and sugar, and
a variety of other useful articles, besides several packs of furs; all
of which were made up into portable bundles that could be easily carried
at their saddle-bows. The supply of everything was so ample that it was
not necessary to touch a single article belonging to the Indians.

This was a matter of much satisfaction to Redhand, who wished to show
these unfortunate children of the wilderness that there were at least
some white trappers who were actuated by different and kindlier feelings
than many who sought their livelihood in those regions.

"Hullo! wot have we here?" cried Big Waller, who was poking
inquisitively about among the tents, to the consternation of the poor
Indian children who lay huddled up in their rabbit-skin blankets,
trembling from head to foot, and expecting to be scalped forthwith--such
of them, at least, as were old enough to expect anything. "Here's your
blunderbusses, I guess, mister."

"What! my pistols," cried Bertram, seizing his weapons with as much
delight as if they had been really serviceable.

"Hah! ver' goot for play vid," observed Gibault contemptuously.

"I say, here's something else," said Bounce, picking up a rifle.

"Wah!" exclaimed Hawkswing, pointing to the weapon in surprise, and
turning his eyes on Redhand.

"Wot! d'ye know who it b'long'd to?" inquired Bounce.

An expression of deep sorrow overspread Redhand's countenance. "Ay,"
said he mou