THE DARKENING SKY. 



251 



every point, and, where there appeared any sign of weakness, it was strength- 

 ened : the wagons were made secure and the horses strongly tethered, the oxen 

 being left to themselves, since, the greater the disturbance, the closer were they 

 'ikely to cling to camp. 



Whatever hopes the hunters may have had that the impending storm would 

 pass by were removed at sunset, when in the northern horizon arose a black cloud, 

 which rapidly climbed and overspread the sky. A cool breeze fanned the faces of 

 all who were watching the coming of the storm, and the animals, as is often the 

 case, showed alarm at the strange appearance of the heavens. 



A big fire had been started near the middle of the camp, though it was expected 

 that the storm would drench it out or scatter the brands, like chaff, across the plain 



MARTENS. 



It will be perceived that there never was more need of watchfulness than the 

 present time. The war of the elements would arouse all the wild animals within its 

 area, not a particle of moonlight could find its way through the murky atmosphere, 

 and what light the fire gave was liable to be extinguished from the cause named. 



Although Mr. Godkin and Jack Harvey had been on duty a good part of the 

 preceding night, they decided to keep awake until the storm should exhaust itself. 

 They had spent a portion of the afternoon in sleep, and, since they were confident 

 that the tempest would not last more than an hour or two, the task did not promise 

 to be a severe one. 



They had as their assistants Bormo, Valmur and Govozy, who were to do their 

 ixsst to keep the fire going, and to prevent any stampede on the part of the animals. 



