“Strange we’ve had no word from home,” said Ed, in a disappointed tone.
“Don’t let it worry you, son,” drawled Ben, rising and going to the book-shelf. “There are several letters and books here for you. Yes, and a big box, too, over beyond, under that robe; but it’s not to be opened until to-morrow.”
He handed the letters and magazines to Ed and George, winking at Bill as he resumed his seat.
“How did you get them?” asked Ed.
“Why, Tom Westbrook came over and took me to town.”
The boys read the letters from home with much enjoyment. When they had finished, they went over to the box and began raising the folds of the robe that hid it.
The guide playfully dragged them away. Then they promised that they would not open the box until the next morning if Indian Pete would tell a story, and his tale of a single-handed fight with a wolf closed the evening.
XVII
CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN
“Merry Christmas, everybody!”