r skilfully. Wounds of all sorts are but too common in the
wilderness, unfortunately, and doctors few and far between. The
children had crowded around him, looking in awe, and their mother kept
ordering them away. Madge had risen from her seat and looked at the
injury, horrified and trembling. The man had never said a word when
that bullet had found its billet in his shoulder, and yet it must have
hurt him dreadfully. He--he might have been killed, owing to her
clumsiness, she reflected in consternation. And now he said nothing to
explain how it had happened--he actually seemed to be trying to shield
her.

"I--I'm dreadfully sorry," said the girl, impulsively. "It--it was all
my fault, because I let the revolver fall and it went off. But I
didn't know he was hurt. He never told me, and he insisted on pulling
at that sled, with his dog."

"Yes, it was just a little accident," admitted Hugo, "and we're making
altogether too much fuss about it. It really doesn't amount to
anything, Miss Nelson, and it feels splendidly now. I'm ever so much
obliged to you, Mrs. Papineau. And so I'll say good-night. I hope
you'll rest well, Miss Nelson. I'll be here in good time to-morrow,
never fear."

He shook hands with the housewife, who took care to wipe her own upon
her apron in preparation for the ceremony. To the children he bade a
comprehensive farewell, after which he turned again to Madge, advanced
a step and then hesitated. He had doubtless meant to shake hands with
her also but, at the last moment, probably feared a rebuff. At any
rate he nodded, bringing a smile to his features, and opened the door
into the bitter cold. After he had put on his snowshoes again and
hitched up Maigan to the toboggan he disappeared into the darkness.
For an instant Madge listened, but she heard no sound. Everything was
still outside, but for the rare crackings of ice and timber. Seeking
her chair again she leaned forward now with her elbows resting on her
knees and her face held in the hollow of her hands. At this time a
little child came to her and touched her arm. She looked at it. The
little girl had long straight black hair, great beady eyes and the
prettiest mouth imaginable. The cheeks were like red apples. She
lifted the little thing to her knees and the child nestled against her
bosom. Madge now looked at the woman, busily engaged with her few pots
and pans, and a feeling of envy came to her, a longing for the sweet
and kindly motherhoo