ng the high mountains
toward Canada. Shall we light another fire?"

"We'll talk of that later with the Great Bear when he comes out of his
sleep. But it fast grows colder and colder, Dagaeoga!"

Weather was an enormous factor in the lives of the borderers.
Wilderness storms and bitter cold often defeated their best plans, and
shelterless men, they were in a continual struggle against them. And
here in the far north, among the high peaks and ridges, there was much
to be feared, even with official winter yet several weeks away.

Robert began to rub his cold hands, and, unfolding his blanket, he
wrapped it about his body, drawing it well up over his neck and ears.
Tayoga imitated him and Willet, who was soon awakened by the cold
blast, protected himself in a similar manner.

"What does the Great Bear think?" asked the Onondaga.

The hunter, with his face to the wind, meditated a few moments before
replying.

"I was testing that current of air on my face and eyes," he said,
"and, speaking the truth, Tayoga, I don't like it. The wind seemed to
grow colder as I waited to answer you. Listen to the leaves falling
before it! Their rustle tells of a bitter night."

"And while we freeze in it," said Robert, whose imagination was
already in full play, "the French and Indians build as many and big
fires as they please, and cook before them the juicy game they killed
today."

The hunter was again very thoughtful.

"It looks as if we would have to kindle a fire," he said, "and
tomorrow we shall have to hunt bear or deer for ourselves, because we
have food enough left for only one more meal."

"The face of Areskoui is turned from us," said Tayoga. "We have done
something to anger him, or we have failed to do what he wished, and
now he sends upon us a hard trial to test us and purify us! A great
storm with fierce cold comes!"

The wind rose suddenly, and it began to make a sinister hissing among
all the passes and gorges. Robert felt something damp upon his face,
and he brushed away a melting flake of snow. But another and another
took its place and the air was soon filled with white. And the flakes
were most aggressive. Driven by the storm they whipped the cheeks
and eyes of the three, and sought to insert themselves, often with
success, under their collars, even under the edges of the protecting
blankets, and down their backs. Robert, despite himself, shivered
violently and even the hunter was forced to walk vigorously b