till it went, but the blubber was yet
three inches from his eager nose. Another shove--no! dislocation alone
could accomplish the object. His shoulders slid very imperceptibly into
the hole. His nose was within an inch of the prize, and he could
actually touch it with his tongue. Away with cowardly prudence! what
recked he of the consequences? Up went his hind legs, down went his
head, and the tempting bait was gained at last!

Alas for wolfish misfortunes! His fore legs were jammed immovably
against his ribs. A touch of his hind foot on the ice would remedy this
mishap, but he was too far in for that. Vigorously he struggled, but in
vain. The blood rushed to his head, and the keen frost quickly put an
end to his pains. In a few minutes he was dead, and in half an hour he
was frozen, solid as a block of wood, with his hind legs and tail
pointing to the sky.

It was at the consummation of this event that another wolf, likewise
attracted by the blubber, trotted down the wild ravine and uttered a
howl of delighted surprise as it rushed forward to devour its dead
companion--for such is the custom among wolves. And this was the howl
that called Frank forth in time to balk its purpose.

Frank happened to be completely dressed at the time, and as he saw the
wolf bound away up the mountain gorge, he seized his gun and snow-shoes,
and hastily slung on his powder-horn and shot-belt.

"Edith," he cried, as he was about to start, "I must give chase to that
wolf. I won't be gone long. Light the lamp and prepare breakfast,
dear--at least as much of it as you can; I'll be back to complete it.--
Hallo, Chimo! here, Chimo!" he shouted, whistling to the dog, which
bounded forth from the door of the hut and followed his master up the
ravine.

Edith was so well accustomed to solitary wanderings among the rugged
glens in the neighbourhood of Fort Chimo that she felt no alarm on
finding herself left alone in this wild spot. She knew that Frank was
not far off, and expected him back in a few minutes. She knew, also,
that wild animals are not usually so daring as to show themselves in
open ground after the break of day, particularly after the shouts of
human beings have scared them to their dens; so, instead of giving a
thought to any possible dangers that might threaten her, she applied
herself cheerfully and busily to the preparation of their morning meal.
First she lighted the lamp, which instantly removed the gloom of t