n is made of in the "old country," it is made more of, if possible,
in the colonies; especially on the outskirts of the world, where the
adventurous and daring have pitched their tents.

Of course Robin Gore and his household did not think of the "old
country," for they were descendants of settlers; but they had imbibed
the spirit of the old country from their forefathers, and thought of
those well-remembered friends whom they had left behind them in the
settlements.

Notwithstanding the delay caused by the conveying of Wapaw to the Fort,
the hunters had walked so fast that there was still some time to spare
before dinner should be ready.

Roy resolved to devote this time to a ramble in the woods with his
sister Nelly. Accordingly the two put on their snow-shoes, and, merely
saying to their mother that they were going to take a run in the woods,
set forth.

Now, it must be known that Mrs Gore had looked forward to New Year's
Day dinner with great interest and much anxiety. There was a general
feeling of hilarity and excitement among the male members of the
self-exiled family that extended itself to the good woman, and induced
her to resolve that the entire household should have what Walter styled
a "rare blow-out!" During the whole morning she had been busy with the
preparation of the various dishes, among which were a tart made of
cloudberry jam, a salt goose, and a lump of bear's ham, besides the
rabbits and ptarmigan which had been shot that day.

"That's the way to do it, Molly," cried Robin, as he opened the door and
peeped in upon his wife during the height and heat of her culinary
labours; "keep the pot bilin', my dear, and don't spare the butter this
day. It only comes once a year, you know."

"Twice," muttered Larry in a low voice, as he stirred the contents of a
large pot which hung over the fire.

"And see that you look after Wapaw," continued Robin. "Don't give him
too much at first, it'll hurt him."

"No fear of that," replied Larry, "he's got so much a'ready that he
couldn't howld another morsel av he was to try."

"Well, well, take care of him, anyhow," said Robin, with a laugh;
"meanwhile I'll go see after the defences o' the Fort, and make all
snug."

By dint of unwearied perseverance the dinner was cooked, and then it
occurred to Robin to ask where the children were, but no one could tell,
so the hunter remarked quietly that they would "doubtless make their
appearance in a short while