arge body of Sioux had been seen moving
northward on a warlike expedition. Although their destination was
unknown, it was feared, as they had long threatened to attack the fort,
should they discover how small was its present garrison, and how greatly
pressed for food, they might put their evil intentions into execution.
Mr Ramsay accordingly made every preparation for defence in his power,
and few as were the numbers with him, he hoped to repulse the foe. His
fears were rather on account of the hunters scattered at a distance from
each other, and who, should they fall into the hands of the Sioux, might
be cut off in detail. To call them back was now impossible, as, should
he send out to search for them, he would have had still further to
lessen the number of defenders. Constant watch was kept day and night,
and he determined, at all events, not to be taken by surprise.

Meantime Laurence had greatly recovered his strength, and, clad in a
warm fur dress, was able to move about, both inside and for a short
distance outside the fort.

The chief amusement of the younger portion of the inhabitants was
"coasting," or sliding down the steep side of the hill on which the fort
stood seated on small boards placed on runners, called "toboggins."
Descending from the height, the impetus they gained carried them for a
considerable distance over the level plain, till they were finally
brought up by a heap of snow at the end of a long path they had thus
formed. The toboggin was then drawn up to the top of the hill, when the
young coaster again went sliding down, followed in succession by his
companions, shouting and cheering with delight, especially when any of
the toboggins went off the line, and their companions were half-buried
in the heap of snow below.

This amusement Laurence infinitely preferred to learning to read the
books which Jeanie brought him, although she offered to be his
instructress. He would sit, however, very patiently during the long
winter evenings while she read to him. He told her frankly that the
only books which interested him were those of adventures and hairbreadth
escapes in various parts of the world. He listened attentively,
however, when she read the Bible, but seemed far more interested in the
narratives it contained than in any other portion. Its Divine truths
had as yet, it seemed, made no impression on his mind.

"Now, Jeanie, I have been a good boy, and listened with my ears open to
all