obably forgotten to fasten to the baggage-mule,
and had consequently secured to his own saddle.

Making up the fire, I instantly put on some of the lynx meat to concoct
some broth, which would, I knew, prove more efficacious than anything
else I could give to my suffering companion, while I myself should be
very glad of it.

Fortunately his gun was fastened to his saddle, and he had on his thick
coat. A brace of pistols were also in his holsters. Whatever might
befall him, I should thus have the means of defending myself and of
procuring game, for he had on his ammunition-belt, which was well
supplied with powder and shot. The coat, with the aid of the
horse-cloths, would contribute greatly to our warmth at night, though I
could dispense with it during the daytime.

While the broth was boiling, I continued to feed him with as much juice
as I could press from the meat, for he was not in a fit state to eat
solid food. While I was attending to Pat, I allowed the horses to
remain loose, as I was sure that they would not wander far. I had given
up all idea of travelling that day, for Pat was utterly unable to move,
and I felt myself scarcely in a fit state to ride any distance.

As soon as the soup was ready I took some in the cup, and having cooled
it in the snow, poured it slowly down Pat's throat. His eyes seemed to
be regaining their usual brightness, but yet he did not speak. Waiting
a little I gave him some more, when I heard him say in a low voice,
"Arrah! now, but that's foine! Blessings on you, Masther David."

"I am glad to hear you speak, Pat," I said; "you'll get all to rights in
time."

I next took some of the soup myself, but I cannot say that I admired its
flavour, though it warmed up my inside, and contributed much to restore
my strength. I kept the pot on boiling, that I might give Pat more
soup.

Thus the day wore on, Pat gradually recovering, though as yet he was
unable to give any account of himself. The expenditure of the lynx
flesh was considerable in making the soup, but I hoped to be able with
Pat's gun to shoot some birds, or some other animal, and did not
begrudge it.

Leaving Pat asleep, I took his gun and went out to see how the horses
were getting on, and to gather more sticks for our fire. I brought in
several bundles, and was returning for some more when, almost at the
spot where I had encountered the wolf on the previous evening, it again
made its appearance, snarling sava