NEW FRIENDS.
"We shall always be friends," said Gaspé, looking into Wilfred's face, as they stood side by side against the chimney in the loft, emptying the biscuit-canister between them.
Wilfred answered with a sunny smile. The sounds below suddenly changed their character. The general stampede to the gate was beginning.
The boys flew to the window. It was a double one, very small and thickly frozen. They could not see the least thing through its glittering panes.
They could scarcely believe their ears, but the sudden silence which succeeded convinced Gaspé their rough visitors had beaten a hasty retreat.
"Anyhow we will wait a bit, and make sure before we go down," they decided.
But De Brunier's first care was for his grandson, and he was missing.
"Gaspard!" he shouted, and his call was echoed by Louison and Chirag.
"Here, grandfather; I am here, I am coming," answered the boy, gently raising the trap-door and peeping down at the dismantled storeroom. A great bag of goose-feathers, which had been hoarded by some thrifty squaw, had been torn open, and the down was flying in every direction.
There was a groan from Mr. De Brunier. All his most valuable stores had vanished.