12 



the stringers, requiring prodigious strength, and repeat the 

 feat six times. 



A THn^ DISGUISE. 



In the meanwhile we bade adieu to Pembina, and we were 

 on our waj to the barricade. The order of march was as fol- 

 lows : First, the white covered democrat, next a Red River 

 cart carrying our camping outfit, driven by a halfbreed boy ; 

 a saddled pony followed. Being on the lookout, when about 

 twelve miles from Pembina, I discovered a dark line away on 

 the horizon, and as I felt sure there were the twenty men on 

 their way to give Mr. McDougall a surprise, I ordered a halt. 

 Then looking the doctor full in the face, I said, "There they 

 come !" A quiver passed over his features. Madame's cheeks 

 blanched slightly. I confess I felt some concern myself. I 

 gave the doctor to understand we had no time to lose. Point- 

 ing in the direction they were coming, ''See, the cavalcade is 

 advancing rapidly ; we are already observed !" The reflec- 

 tion of our white covered vehicle cannot escape those keen- 

 sighted hunters even at this distance. "AVhat is to be done ?" 

 inquired the doctor. "Be sure you throw off all reserve, be 

 friendly, shake each heartily — "by the collar," interrupted 

 the doctor. "This is no time for jokes, sir ; action, action. 

 I am son-y to announce that your much-cherished Dundrearys 

 must be sacrificed to the god of necessity." This was a stun- 

 ning blow. They were to be envied. Requesting him to 

 step out, madame handed me a pair of dull scissors. Those 

 black, wavy, silken, flowing, magnificent whiskers, the pride 

 of manhood, the object of careful shaping and culture, the 

 flag nature had stuck to the mast, had now to be lowered. 

 The tonsorial operation began, and perceptibly a moisture 

 gathered in the corners of the victim's eyes. Was it want of 

 skill, or an altered presence ? Sentimentalism just now, how- 

 over, was out of place. The horsemen are approaching. The 

 capote is brought into requisition. It fits well. Cap, belt and 

 moccasins are all arranged. The metamorphosis is complete. 

 It was then arranged that the doctor would drive the cart, the 

 boy ride the pony, and I manage the democrat — so we pro- 

 ceeded to meet the rapidly approaching band. They deploy- 

 ed across the road, and in less than one-half hour our progress 



