m when
materials are abundant, as they were in the present instance; and it is
wonderful what a comfortable abode it affords, impervious alike to rain
or wind or even to an ordinary amount of cold.

When in a sheltered situation, the Indians pass most severe winters in
these habitations, built in the recesses of cypress groves, through
which the chilling blast fails to find an entrance. Having put up the
wigwam, we cleared away the grass from the interior, and then dug a
slight hole in the centre, which we surrounded with the largest stones
we could find. This was to form our fireplace. Four little trenches
around it, leading to the bottom, would enable a sufficient current of
air to enter and keep it blazing. Our next care was to cut down a good
supply of spruce fir tops to form couches.

The wigwam was quite large enough for all of us, including Bouncer, and
would have held another guest, leaving ample space between the feet of
the sleepers and the fire. We little thought at the time how long we
should require it.

As soon as it was finished, we lifted Martin up on one of the skins, and
carried him into it. He was aware of what we were doing, for as I bent
over him I heard him whisper, "Thank you! thank you!" but he could say
no more.

The soup, which was now ready, greatly revived him, and we ourselves,
after our exertions, were glad of a hearty meal.

I observed Alick, while we were seated round our fire in the wigwam,
shivering several times, while he looked unusually pale.

"I am afraid you're ill," I said.

"Oh, it is nothing; I shall be better after supper and some sleep," he
answered. "My plunge into the cold water was somewhat trying, perhaps;
and I wish I had followed your advice, and dried my clothes at once."

I begged him to put on my coat, and to cover himself up with one of the
deerskins, which was not required for Martin, while his clothes were
more effectually dried. To this he at last consented, and we hung them
up on the side of the fire opposite to that where Martin lay, so as not
to deprive him of the warmth.

On going out into the open air, we were sensible of the great difference
of temperature which existed inside the hut and outside. We found it
necessary to keep the entrance open, instead of closing it with a piece
of bark which we had prepared for the purpose.

Alick's clothes were soon quite dry, when, having put them on, he
stretched himself on the bed we had prepared f