tle better than you
have done hitherto."

One of the evil effects of the perpetual jesting that prevailed at York
Fort was, that "soft" (in other words, straightforward, unsuspecting)
youths had to undergo a long process of learning-by-experience: first,
_believing_ everything, and then _doubting_ everything, ere they arrived
at that degree of sophistication which enabled them to distinguish
between truth and falsehood.

Having reached the _doubting_ period in his training, Hamilton looked
down and said nothing, at least with his mouth, though his eyes
evidently remarked, "I don't believe you." In future years, however,
the evidence of these same eyes convinced him that what the accountant
said upon this occasion was but too true.

Breakfast was a repetition of the supper of the previous evening.
During its discussion they planned proceedings for the day.

"My notion is," said the accountant, interrupting the flow of words ever
and anon to chew the morsel with which his mouth was filled--"my notion
is, that as it's a fine, clear day we should travel five miles through
the country parallel with North River. I know the ground, and can guide
you easily to the spots where there are lots of willows, and therefore
plenty of ptarmigan, seeing that they feed on willow tops; and the snow
that fell last night will help us a little."

"How will the snow help us?" inquired Hamilton.

"By covering up all the old tracks, to be sure, and showing only the new
ones."

"Well, captain," said Harry, as he raised a can of tea to his lips, and
nodded to Hamilton as if drinking his health, "go on with your proposals
for the day. Five miles up the river to begin with, then--"

"Then we'll pull up," continued the accountant; "make a fire, rest a
bit, and eat a mouthful of pemmican; after which we'll strike across
country for the southern woodcutter's track, and so home."

"And how much will that be?"

"About fifteen miles."

"Ha!" exclaimed Harry; "pass the kettle, please. Thanks.--Do you think
you're up to that, Hammy?"

"I will try what I can do," replied Hamilton. "If the snow-shoes don't
cause me to fall often, I think I shall stand the fatigue very well."

"That's right," said the accountant; "`faint heart,' etcetera, you know.
If you go on as you've begun, you'll be chosen to head the next
expedition to the north pole."

"Well," replied Hamilton good-humouredly, "pray head the present
expedition, and let us be gone.