WILD ANIMALS AND MEN 251 



entirely enclosed by neatly stacked firewood suitable for a 

 stove. Beyond, half built in the rising ground, stood a little 

 log stable, and near it a few cattle were eating from haystacks. 

 Going up to the shack, I knocked upon the door, and as a 

 voice bade me enter I slipped off my snowshoes, pulled the 

 latch string, and walked in. Entering from the dazzling sun- 

 light made the room at first seem in darkness. Presently, 

 however, I regained my sight, and then beheld the interior of a 

 comfortable little home — the extreme of neatness and order; 

 and then I saw a human form lying beneath the blankets of a 

 bunk in a far corner. Later I noticed that two black eyes be- 

 neath a shock of black hair were smiling a welcome. 



" Good morning," I greeted. " May I use your stove to cook 

 breakfast?" 



"No, sir," replied the figure, then it sat up in bed, and I 

 saw that it was a white man. "I'll do the cooking myself, for 

 you're to be my guest." 



"Thanks," I returned, "I'm travelling with an Indian and 

 I don't wish to trouble you; but if I may use your stove I'll 

 be much obliged." 



" If I have what you haven't got," my host smiled, "will you 

 dine with me?" 



"All right," I agreed. 



"Potatoes," he exclaimed. 



"Good," I laughed. 



"Then sit down, please, and rest while I do the cooking." 



Oo-koo-hoo now came in and at the host's bidding, filled his 

 pipe from a tobacco pouch upon the table. 



The accent of the stranger suggested that he was an English 

 gentleman, and it seemed strange, indeed, to discover so re- 

 fined and educated a man living apparently alone and without 

 any special occupation in the very heart of the Great Northern 

 Forest. Curiosity seized me. Then I wondered — was this 

 the man? . . . could he be " Son-in-law" ? 



