3n 



the outer entrance. Against this ice four beaver 

 were smothered or drowned. I surmised the 

 tragedy but was helpless to prevent it. Mean- 

 while the others doubled back and took refuge 

 upon the ruined stump of their home. From a 

 clump of near-by pines I watched this wild drama. 



Less than half an hour after the house was 

 wrecked, these indomitable animals began to re- 

 build it. Lashed by icy waves, beaten by the 

 wind, half-coated with ice, these home-loving 

 people strove to rebuild their home. Mud was 

 brought from the bottom of the pond and piled 

 upon the shattered foundation. This mud set 

 froze almost instantly on being placed. They 

 worked desperately, and from time to time I caught 

 sight of Flat-top. Toward evening it appeared 

 possible that the house might be restored, but, 

 just as darkness was falling, a roaring gust struck 

 the lake and a great swell threw the new part 

 into the water. 



The colonists gave up the hopeless task and 

 that night fled down the mountain. Two were 

 killed before they had gone a quarter of a mile. 

 Along the trail were three other red smears upon 



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