f hunger we
divided one of them and ate it up. We then attacked the squirrel, but
restraining our appetites, reserved half for Alick and Robin, for we
thought it possible that they might after all return without any game.
Having satisfied our hunger, we thought more seriously about them. What
could have happened to delay them?

At last I began to fear that some accident must have befallen them. It
was getting dusk. Should darkness overtake them, they would be unable
to find their way through the woods. We piled up more wood on the fire,
and went some way from it in the direction we expected they would come,
shouting loudly at the top of our voices to attract their attention.

"I cannot fancy that they have lost themselves," observed Martin.
"Robin, with his Indian training, would find his way anywhere; and Alick
is not likely to have gone wrong, especially with the river to guide
him."

Still I grew more and more anxious, and pictured to myself all sorts of
accidents.

"We should never think of the worst till it happens," observed Martin.
"They were probably tempted to go farther than they intended. Perhaps
we shall see them come back loaded with venison or a few dozen wild
ducks, which will supply our larder for many days to come. Hark! I
think I hear a shout. Now!" and we again shouted out. A reply
immediately came through the trees.

"That's Alick's voice, and I heard Robin's shriller treble," said
Martin. "They will be here anon, and will be highly delighted to sit
down and munch the remainder of the squirrel and the wood-pigeon."

We hurried forward to meet our friends, as far as the light of the fire
would enable us to see our way, and presently they both appeared,
carrying huge masses of something on their backs.

"We have got food enough to last us till we reach Fort Ross," exclaimed
Alick, as he limped along, and I observed that he had lost both his
shoes. "It might have cost us dear, though. Robin was nearly getting
an ugly grip. See! we have killed a bear, and brought as much of the
meat as we could carry, and a part of the skin to form moccasins till we
can kill some deer, which will afford us more comfortable covering for
our feet."

We relieved them of their loads, and were soon seated round the fire,
Bouncer lying down complacently watching us, while they discussed the
provisions we had cooked; he, having devoured as much of the bear as he
could manage, was independent of other foo