threatening, I thought it prudent to build a
hut, both for Pat's sake and my own; and while he, having collected some
sticks, prepared a fire, I set to work to cut the necessary stakes. It
was very similar to the one I had before constructed, and as there was
plenty of snow on the ground, I formed the walls of it.

The hut would be thus much warmer than if formed merely of branches,
which, though affording sufficient protection in summer weather, are not
calculated to keep out the cold. The only difference between our
present and former hut was that the one we had last built was somewhat
larger, so as to afford accommodation to both of us.

We had nothing but the wolf's flesh for supper, and though we tried it
roasted and boiled, in neither state could I manage to eat more that a
very small quantity. Pat munched away far more to his satisfaction, if
not greedily. It was, perhaps, in consequence of this that he awoke in
the night complaining of great pain. The only remedy I could think of
was hot water. It somewhat alleviated his sufferings, but in the
morning he was too ill to proceed.

He urged me to go on to the fort, but this I refused to do. I might be
three or four days reaching it, or longer, should any untoward
circumstance occur, and he might be dead before I returned. This event
made me feel very much out of spirits. I was anxious if possible to
procure better food than the wolf's flesh afforded, so taking my spear I
went out to try to kill some animal or other. In vain I searched in
every direction. I was tantalised by the sight of birds. I caught
glimpses of a racoon and a couple of squirrels, but I could not get at
them. Had I possessed a charge of powder I might have killed something.

At last hunger compelled me to return, and I set to work to cook more of
the wolf's flesh. Detestable as I had thought it, I was thankful that
we possessed even that on which to sustain life. I was too tired to go
out again; indeed Pat was so ill that I did not like to leave him.

Having led the two horses to the stream to drink, I returned with our
pot full of water to the hut; then making up the fire, I lay down to
sleep. On awaking at night I heard the sound of falling snow. Our fire
was out, and as it would be a hard matter to relight it, and to keep it
in when alight, I did not make the attempt.

Next morning, when I looked out, the whole country was a foot or more
deep in snow. I turned my eyes i