"Ye don't say so! What changed 'im into sich a divil?"
"Drink, gambling and evil companions."
"It seems, sir, that ye knowed 'im afore he struck the North."
"Know him! I should say I did know him! He was my only sister's husband. Oh, Nellie, Nellie! How can I ever tell you all! But how about the men?" he suddenly asked, wishing to change the subject, which was becoming most painful.
"What, the b'ys down yon?"
"Yes."
"In a bad way. Nothin' left."
"And they've no food?"
"Not a scrap."
"Well, look here, Mr. Burke. There's the school room which the men can use until they get new cabins built. They will have to do their cooking outside, but there is a stove in the place which will keep them warm at night. I have just seen the old chief, and the Indians will loan what blankets they can spare until the steamer arrives."