he fort, just after the
ceremony was concluded.

"I trust that God may smile on you, and bless your union, my friends,"
said Mr Wilson, coming forward with a small Bible in his hand. "Here
is a copy of God's Word, Jasper, which I wish you to accept of and keep
as a remembrance of me and of this day."

"I'll keep it, sir, and I thank you heartily," said Jasper, taking the
book and returning the grasp of the missionary's hand.

"And my chief object in giving it to you, Jasper, is, that you and Marie
may read it often, and find joy and peace to your souls."

As the missionary said this a faint sound, like the tinkling of distant
bells, was heard in the frosty air.

Looks of surprise and excitement showed that this was an unwonted sound.
And so it was; for only once or twice during the long winter did a
visitor gladden Fort Erie with his presence. These sweet sounds were
the tinkling of sleigh-bells, and they told that a stranger was
approaching--that letters, perhaps, and news from far-distant homes,
might be near at band.

Only twice in the year did the Europeans at that lonely outpost receive
letters from home. Little wonder that they longed for them, and that
they went almost wild with joy when they came.

Soon the sleigh appeared in sight, coming up the river at full speed,
and a loud "hurrah!" from the men at the gate, told the visitor that he
was a welcome guest. It was a dog-sleigh--a sort of conveyance much
used by the fur-traders in winter travelling. In form, it was as like
as possible to a tin slipper bath. It might also be compared to a shoe.
If the reader will try to conceive of a shoe large enough to hold a
man, sitting with his legs out before him, that will give him a good
idea of the shape of a dog cariole. There is sometimes an ornamental
curve in front. It is made of two thin hardwood planks curled up in
front, with a light frame-work of wood, covered over with deer or
buffalo skin, and painted in a very gay manner. Four dogs are usually
harnessed to it, and these are quite sufficient to drag a man on a
journey of many days, over every sort of country, where there is no road
whatever. Dogs are much used for hauling little sledges in that country
in winter. The traveller sits wrapped up so completely in furs, that
nothing but his head is visible. He is attended by a driver on
snow-shoes, who is armed with a large whip. No reins are used. If the
snow is hard, as is usually the case on