s continued
their work of rescue by cutting off a generous piece of moose and then
continuing their investigation. Having reached the last cabin, which
differed in no respect from the others, Norman and Roy came across a
surprise that was a shock to them. Swinging open the door, without
warning, they entered a chill interior that was reeking with new odors. A
small fire burned in one corner and before it, on a pallet of worn and
greasy blankets, lay the distorted figure of a man. He was the sole
occupant of the almost dark room.

While the boys hesitated, choking with the rancid and stifling odors
about them, they saw the figure turn its head with an effort. Then they
saw that it was a man of about middle age, who was almost completely
paralyzed. He could move neither his legs nor his body, but with the use
of his elbows, he was just able to turn the upper part of his body.

He did not resent the intrusion but he did not give the young men the
least sign of welcome. In his left hand rested a charred stick. With this
he was able to reach the little fire at his side, in front of which was
piled a heap of small sticks and branches--his firewood.

The fireplace and chimney, which was also inside the cabin, were made of
clay and occupied the corner of the uninviting apartment. Near the fire
stood a smoke-begrimed frying pan in which there was a piece of black
meat of some kind. On the dirty clay hearth was a tin basin, in which
were a few ounces of soiled looking meal or flour.

"The man's paralyzed," remarked Norman in an undertone. "But at that he
seems better off than the rest."

"He ain't starvin', at least," answered Roy. "But we'd better give him
his share of moose."

He spoke to the man and was surprised to receive a grin in return. It
meant that the invalid did not understand. But the moment they offered
the meat to the almost-helpless man, they were glad to see that he had
the full use of his arms and fingers. Reaching for a knife that lay under
him, he began to cut off pieces of fat with celerity. These he ate
without cooking.

The close cabin was so crowded with articles of various kinds that the
boys could not resist an examination before they took their leave.

"Somebody's been livin' here besides this man," exclaimed Roy at once. He
pointed to the opposite corner of the cabin where there were indications
that some one had had a bunk. Then in the other end of the room they
found the cause of the heavy o