232 



JPequam 

 ffieJF/sfier 



and crack like pistols as the frost snaps the 

 tightening bark, you glide along silently and 

 alone on your snow-shoes ; and save for the 

 crossbills and chickadees and the rolling tat- 

 too of the log-cock you seem utterly alone in 

 the universe. No broad wing or gloss of fur 

 or gray shadow of a deer disturbs the sharp 

 outlines of the still tree bolls on every hand. 

 Your own breath, as it drifts away in a cloud 

 of frost among the trees, is the only sign of 

 a living animal in all the snowy landscape. 

 Now look down at your feet. You are 

 standing where the dainty trail of a fox 

 crosses the broad lead of a porcupine and 

 follows it a little way doubtfully. Eleemos 

 is uncertain, you see, whether to turn aside 

 or go on ; debating with his shrunken stom- 

 ach whether or not he is hungry enough to 

 risk being" struck through with cruel barbs 

 for a coarse mouthful ; undecided whether to 

 follow Unk Wunk and perhaps find him safe 



rust again to luck and 



for a sweeter mouthful to 



ween a poor fox and death. 



There ! he follows the 



