272 A SPORTING PARADISE 



indeed, a wintry night, and as I huddled my- 

 self closely to the flames my back was nearly 

 frozen. 



" I shivered frequently as though perishing while 

 my face and knees were scorching with heat. 

 It is difficult to realise this where one has always 

 enjoyed the warmth and protection of a com- 

 fortable home. Occasionally I could hear the 

 dismal voice of wolves borne along the breeze 

 to my lofty abode. Sometimes fancy would dis- 

 cern dark forms moving over the ice below. 

 Sleep is a strange friend and also a strange foe. 

 The smoke, the bright glare of the fire, and a 

 sense of security were all conducive to sleep. 

 Before I had sat down an hour I found myself 

 swaying to and fro, and more than once 

 nearly tumbled headlong into the flames. At 

 length I fell into a deep sleep, and soon forgot 

 all my troubles. My rest, however, was not 

 permitted to remain unbroken, for a biting pain 

 in my joints awoke me with a start to find my 

 fire nearly out. I was so cold and sore that I 

 could hardly drag my chilled and aching body 

 to the spot where I had deposited my fuel. Even 

 when I had returned and thrown fresh wood 

 upon the embers, the smoke blinded and choked 



