esumed their morning
feeding.

Eight of the carcasses of those they had shot were hauled to the cabin
that morning, and while Skipper Zeb busied himself skinning and dressing
them, Toby and Charley, in the afternoon, loaded another on the komatik
and drove over to Long Tom Ham's at Lucky Bight, and in the evening
brought him back with them that he might prepare and take home with him
the meat and hides of those that had been reserved for his use; and for
this purpose Skipper Zeb loaned him the dogs and komatik.

In that land neighbours are neighbours indeed. They never lose an
opportunity to do one another a good turn; and just as Skipper Zeb had
thoughtfully shot the animals for Long Tom, and provided the means for
Long Tom to take them home, others would, he knew, if occasion offered,
do him a similar kindness.

It was no small job to skin the carcasses and prepare the meat. The
sinews were cut from the backs, scraped carefully and hung in the cabin
to dry. Later, as she required them, Mrs. Twig would separate them into
threads with which to sew moccasins, and boots, and other articles of
skin clothing. The tongues were preserved as a delicacy. The livers and
hearts were put aside to serve as a variety in diet. The back fat was
prized as a substitute for lard. The venison was hung up to freeze and
keep sweet for daily consumption.

What a treat that venison was! Charley declared he had never tasted such
delicious meat, and he was sure it was much better than beef.

"Well, now!" said Skipper Zeb. "I never in my life tastes beef, and I
were thinkin' beef might be better than deer's meat, though I thinks
deer's meat is good enough for any man to eat."

Christmas came with plum duff as a special treat, and then the New Year,
and with it Skipper Zeb's departure again for his trapping grounds,
where he was to remain alone, tramping silent, lonely trails until the
middle of April, then to return before the warming sun softened the snow
and in season for the spring seal hunt.

In January the cold increased. With February it became so intense that
even the animals kept close to their lairs, venturing out only when
hunger drove them forth to seek food.

In January Toby and Charley captured two martens and one red fox, and
during February the traps were visited but twice a week, and with no
returns. For their pains, they suffered frost-bitten cheeks and noses,
which peeled in due time, leaving white patches where the fr