where the deadliest part of the work
was done became accursed, and has lain barren to this day; and that the
leader of the Scotch became insane with the memory of his own terrible
prowess.

"Among those who have reason to remember that dreadful affair, however,
may be numbered C." (Here the narrator named an influential and wealthy
business man.) "He was travelling in that section, and being ignorant of
what had taken place, stopped at a country town to bait his horse, and
warm and refresh himself. Entering, he found the reception-room filled
with Irish, whose harsh features were inflamed with varied passions,
while the persons of many bore marks of recent injury. No one replied to
his friendly greeting, and their whole conversation was carried on in
Erse, although every intonation and gesture was replete with passion.
Suddenly he saw the landlady beckoning him out of the room, and, rising,
he approached her as if to give directions about his horse.

"Trembling with agitation, she addressed him:--

"'O, Mr. C., for the love of Heaven, run to your sleigh, and leave at
once, or your life isn't worth an hour's purchase!'

"Then, in a few words, she gave him some idea of the day's events, and
taking the measure of oats provided, Mr. C. passed on through his
enemies to the shed, where, beside a number of rude country sledges,
stood his own fleet horse and light cutter. Taking the bells off his
horse, he backed him out of the shed, and was ready for flight. On the
nearest sledge was bound a long, oblong parcel, covered with a rug.
Curiosity proved stronger than fear, and lifting a loose corner of the
scanty covering, Mr. C. found himself face to face with a corpse!

[Illustration]

"Springing into his sleigh, he put his horse to his utmost speed, and
when day dawned was a score of miles from the scene of his unexpected
danger and appalling night adventure."

CHAPTER VII.

A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER.--BREAKING UP OF THE ICE.--JIM MOUNTAIN'S FIGHT
WITH THE DEVIL.

The boys awoke somewhat disappointed the next morning, for the heavy
rain was falling, and the wind blew hard from the south-east, so that no
one in his senses would think of facing such discomfort for the sake of
sport.

"Don't look blue, George," said La Salle; "we've enough to do to prepare
for the open water, which this gale will probably lead up to the outer
edge of the bar, at least. There's the float to be painted and fitted,
and the floating