We quickly skinned the wolf, and hung the hide up to the branch of a tree a little way from the bank, where it would be concealed from any passers-by. We did not wish to encumber ourselves with it in the meantime, and we hoped to find it on our return. We were not likely to forget the spot, any more than those boys in the “old country” would do, who, as I have heard, are taken to certain landmarks and whipped, in order that they may afterwards bear them duly in mind.
We were thankful that the wolf which had attacked my uncle was alone, as it would have been unpleasant to find ourselves followed by a howling pack; and we now regretted that we had not all of us brought our guns.
Trudging on some miles further, we came upon a part of the river which had not been frozen over until after the snow fell. Here, the ice being clear, we put on our skates, and glided merrily along towards the spot where we understood the lumberers were at work.
Chapter Three.
A terrific snowstorm—Kepenau’s timely appearance—We visit Kepenau’s camp—His hospitality—An Indian’s dread of the “fire water”—We bid adieu to our Indian friends—Our arrival at the logging encampment—Jacques Michaud takes a fancy to Mike—Jacques’ raft story—My uncle and I start on our return—We are attacked by a fierce pack of wolves, and are saved by Kepenau and his men—Mike Laffan in a difficulty—We rescue him—Ashatea, Kepenau’s daughter—My visit to Lily—Mr and Mrs Claxton—Dora and Reuben—Reuben visits our hut—The marten and porcupine—An opossum-hunt.
The snow had for some time been falling lightly, but the wind which had arisen blew it off the ice, and thus it did not impede our progress; but that same wind, which was now by a turn of the river brought directly ahead of us, soon increased in strength, and drove the particles of snow, sharp as needles, into our faces. Indeed, the cold every instant became more intense, while the snow fell more thickly.
“Faix, and it’s moighty loike a shower of penknives, mixed with needles and pins!” cried Mike. “It’s a hard matther to keep the eyes open. What will we be afther doing, Mr Mark, if it gets worse?”
“We’ll go on till it does get worse,” said Uncle Mark. “It would not do to turn back now.”