w was tipped, by the
merest accident, and half of the tea went over the hunter's legs. The
awful look of hypocritical self-condemnation put on by the imp was too
much for the hunter, who merely laughed, and told him to "get along"
which he did with a yell of triumph. Old Mr Ravenshaw felt a strong
desire to embrace that boy on the spot, so vividly did he bring before
his mind his beloved Tony!

Sometimes the older people in that miscellaneous camp emulated the
children in riotous behaviour. Of course, in such an assemblage there
were bad as well as good people, and some of the former, taking
advantage of the unprotected state of things, went about the camp
pilfering where opportunity offered. One of these was at last caught in
the act, and the exasperated people at once proceeded to execute summary
justice. The thief was a big, strong, sulky-looking fellow. He was
well known as an incorrigible idler, who much preferred to live on the
labours of other men than to work. The captor was Baptiste Warder, the
half-breed chief who had acted so conspicuous a part in the buffalo hunt
of the previous season.

"Let's string him up," cried John Flett, as Warder, grasping the thief's
collar, led him into the middle of the camp.

But there were two objections to this proceeding. First, it was deemed
too severe for the offence, and, second, there was not a tree or a post,
or any convenient object, whereon to hang him.

"Roast him alive!" suggested David Mowat, but this also was laughed at
as being disproportioned to the offence.

"Duck him!" cried Sam Hayes.

This was hailed as a good proposal, though some were of opinion it was
too gentle. However, it was agreed to, with this addition, that the
culprit's capote should be cut to pieces. In order to accomplish the
latter part of the ceremony with more ease, one of the men removed the
capote by the simple process of ripping the back up to the neck, and
slitting the sleeves with a scalping-knife. The man here showed a
disposition to resist, and began to struggle, but a quiet squeeze from
Warder convinced him that it was useless. He was then seized by four
men, each of whom, grasping an arm or a leg, carried him down to the
water's edge. They passed Mr Ravenshaw in the opening of his tent. He
rose and followed them.

"Serves him right," said the old gentleman, on hearing who it was, and
what he had done.

"Ay, he's done worse than that," said one of the men who car