Sidney and Edward went to work and soon had a nice fire blazing, and then began to clear away the rubbish from around it, so as to make it more comfortable. This accomplished, the chief returned with his arms full of vegetables, and directing Sidney and Edward where plenty of berries could be had near the spring, he proceeded to cook them. In a little while the trapper returned, but instead of a turkey he brought a string of very large fish.
"Where did those come from?" they all exclaimed.
"From a river, of course," he replied laughing. "You don't suppose they grew on bushes, do you?"
"Certainly not; but are we really near a large river?"
"Within half a mile of it," he replied.
"Then, can't we find our way out, if we follow it to where it empties?" asked Jane.
"I should think not. Now, for supper; there come the boys laden with fruit, and between them and our fish and vegetables, I intend to have a feast."
"Hist!" said Jane, "I heard a noise—a bleat, I am sure; There it is again; don't you hear it?"
"Now I do, and will soon know what it is," said the trapper, making his way towards it, guided by the noise. About fifty rods distant he found a goat with its leg wedged between two rocks, so as to hold it fast, and preclude the possibility of its escaping. The goat was much emaciated, and had probably been there two or three days. But a few paces distant, was its kid, being about five months old, browsing with perfect unconcern. Howe released the goat and attempted to drive her to the camp, but she was too weak to walk, and he was compelled to take her in his arms, and carry her, the kid following, as though it was nothing new to have its dam carried away.
"He has found a goat," said Edward, "now we can drive it with us and keep it for milk."