over again. "I'd have brought
twice as much if I could have moved it. As it is, there's enough to pay
off one's debts and to keep up, with economy, till the thaw comes; and
now we are not going to be so pressed I daresay I shall manage to shoot
a moose."

That journey back from the settlement had been a terrible one, for he
had loaded himself far more heavily than was wise, and this had
necessitated his sleeping two nights in the snow instead of one. But
snow can be warm as well as cold, and he found that a deep furrow with
the bright crystals well banked up to keep off the wind, blankets, and a
sleeping-bag, made no bad lair for a tired man who was not hungry. He
took care of that, for, as he said to himself, "If it is only a donkey
who draws he must be well fed."

With his sledge at his head, tilted on one side to make a sort of
canopy, and a couple of blankets stretched over, tent fashion, upon some
stout sticks close down to his face, the air was soon warmed by his
breath, and thanks to the skin-lined bag he slept soundly each night,
and by means of a little pot and a spirit-lamp contrived to obtain a cup
of hot tea before starting on his journey in the morning. But it was
the lamp of life, heated by the brave spirit within him, that helped him
on with his load, so that after being disappointed in not covering the
last eight miles over-night, he dragged the sledge up towards their hut
just at dawn of the day which succeeded the attack made upon his
companion.

By dawn must be understood about ten o'clock, and as he drew near,
Dallas could see a fire blazing here, and another there, at different
shafts; but there was no sign of glow or smoke from the fire in their
own hut; and in the joy that was within him at the successful
termination of his expedition, Dallas laughed.

"The lazy beggar!" he said. "Not stirring yet, and no fire. Why, I
must have been tugging at this precious load over four hours. He ought
to have been up and had a good fire, and the billy boiling. He's taking
it out in sleep and no mistake. Wonder whether the dog's dead? Poor
brute! I don't suppose he can have held out till now."

As he drew near he gave vent to a signal whistle familiar to his cousin.
But there was no reply, and he tugged away till he was nearer, and then
gave vent to a cheery "Ahoy!"

There was still no response, and he hailed again, without result.

"Well, he is sleeping," said Dallas, and he hailed again as