MAKING READY. 259 



went last year. The cariboos are numerous, for the 

 Indians have not yet visited the forest." 



" Ah well, Monai, if you will allow me to bring my 

 friend here," said Mr. Howard, pointing me out to the 

 Redskin, " I will go with thee." 



Monai, at these words, cast a rapid glance upon me ; 

 and after a moment's silence, addressed me directly, 



" Does the pale-face my brother know how to make 

 use of the snow-shoes ?" 



To tell the truth, I dared not assure Monai of my 

 ability to walk easily in so novel a cJiaussure. I was 

 therefore on the point of answering in the negative, 

 when Mr. Howard, comprehending my hesitation, said to 

 Monai, 



" I will take charge of my brother the pale-face ; if he 

 cannot follow us to the chase, he will remain at the camp 

 and prepare our food." 



Though the Indian did not appear to appreciate this 

 arrangement very warmly, he made a sign of assent ; and 

 we began to discuss what was necessary to be done in 

 order that we might start at daybreak on the morrow. 



We had five and twenty leagues to traverse before we 

 could arrive at our rendezvous. Mr. Howard imme- 

 diately set to work to get ready the rifles, powder, balls, 

 clothing, and provisions. I assisted him in all these 

 preparations, which had forced us to quit the apartment 

 where we had been seated before the Indian's arrival ; 

 and when we returned, half an hour afterwards, our ears 

 were disagreeably surprised by a sonorous snore which 

 awoke every echo in the dining-room : it was Monai, 

 who, stretched full-length on the rug before the fire, had 



