es, or occupied in their daily avocations. Laurence felt
somewhat awe-struck on finding himself among so many strangers, and kept
close to his father. At their entrance they had been saluted by a pack
of savage-looking sleigh-dogs, which came out barking at the new-comers,
but were quickly driven back to their quarters by their masters.

"Don't mind them, Laurence," said Michael. "As soon as they find that
we are treated as friends, they will cease their yelping, and come
humbly to our feet to seek our favour."

Michael inquired for Mr Ramsay, the chief factor.

"There he comes from his house," answered the man to whom he had
addressed himself.

"What! old friend! I am right glad to see you again," exclaimed Mr
Ramsay, advancing, and with frank cordiality shaking the old trapper by
the hand. "I was afraid, from your long absence, that you would never
find your way back to the fort. And who is this lad? He seems very
young for the life of a trapper."

Michael then introduced Laurence, and narrated how they had lost their
horses and been compelled to tramp the whole distance on foot, not
having met any Indians from whom they could purchase fresh steeds, or
obtain assistance in carrying their bales.

"He looks worn out and ill," said the kind-hearted factor. "Come in to
my house, and we will have him seen to. A comfortable bed and a quiet
night's rest will, I hope, restore him; and you, friend, will, I
suspect, be glad to get that heavy pack off your shoulders."

"The boy has not been much accustomed to beds or houses, and the change
may, as you say, do him good," observed Michael. "But my old sinews are
too tough to feel the weight of this pack, heavy as it is, I'll allow.
However, for the boy's sake, I'll accept your hospitality; and, if
you'll look after him till he is recovered, the best peltries I have
shall be at your service without any other payment."

"Nay, nay, friend; I come frae the Hielands, and have not so far
forgotten the customs of the old country as to receive payment for
entertaining a guest, and as such your son is welcome. However, come
in, and get rid of your packs; and to-morrow, when you have rested, we
will examine their contents and calculate their value."

Poor Laurence tottered on, but scarcely had he reached the entrance of
the house than he sank to the ground. His pack was quickly taken off,
and kindly hands lifted him to a room, where he was undressed and put to
bed--a l