band
of more ferocious wolves might have broken into it, and carried off our
provisions, though I knew that Bouncer would have fought to the death
before he allowed them to approach. My fears were at an end when he
came rushing out with a cheerful bark to welcome us, wagging his tail
and leaping up to assure us that all was safe.

Martin and I at once began making up the packages to carry on our backs.

"That not do; I no carry these things," observed Misticook.

"Arrah! thin, why in the name of wonder did you come?" exclaimed Pat.

"You see, I show better way," answered the Indian, and forthwith taking
his axe from his belt, he chopped two branches from a neighbouring tree,
about ten feet long, turning up at the ends. He then adroitly secured
several cross-pieces a little more than a foot long, and in a short time
had manufactured a rough sledge. To this he lastly fastened some of the
thongs which he had brought with him, to serve as traces.

"Now what you carry?" he asked.

We showed him the packages we had done up. Nearly as much again
remained, for which we had intended to return. He placed the whole of
it on the sledge, securing it firmly.

"Now ready," he said, and started off.

We took a look round, to see that nothing was left behind, and then
followed, but found it difficult to keep up with Misticook, who glanced
round every now and then in triumph at us.

"I wish that we also had made a sledge," said Martin; "we might have
saved ourselves a good deal of trouble."

However, our pride would not allow us to give in, and we managed to
reach the hut soon after the Indian.

We found Robin seated by the side of the sick man, who had fallen
asleep. Robin put up his finger as a sign to us not to make any noise.
We placed our packages with the other things already there, against the
walls, as well as those which had been brought on the sleigh.

I then observed that there were a number of buffalo-robes and a small
tent, and several other articles of traveller's gear. Alick seemed much
better.

"I shall be all to rights in a few days, I hope," he said; "but I fear
that the days of the poor man there are numbered. He has spoken but
little during your absence though I remarked that his eyes were
continually falling upon Robin as he moved about the hut."

"We shall see how he is when he awakes. In the meantime, as you must be
hungry, I advise you to take the food Robin has prepared."

We very glad