30 
THE RED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
day, and before long we shall have to rush to the settle- 
ments for our lives. They are the pest of Alaska, you 
know." 
" But, father, we are within a few days' march of Fort 
Selkirk, and are ahead of time." 
I want to see mother," interposed little Nat, quietly. 
Don't you, Rob ?" 
The older brother made no further protest, but began 
preparations for a short hunt before dinner. 
"I won't be gone long, father," said he, shouldering 
his Winchester, and starting off at an easy gait. 
"Won't you take one of the guides with you, my 
boy?" 
" Oh, no, thank you. They've had enough to do, pack- 
ing our blankets through the woods. Good-bye. I'll 
keep within hearing of a gun-shot." And he was gone. 
Mr. Button now busied himself about his " skeleton 
tent," as he called it — a device of his own, for relief 
from the attacks of gnats, mosquitoes, and other insects, 
while on the march. 
It was a very simple arrangement; merely an "A" 
tent made of mosquito netting. It was large enough to 
accommodate all the party. 
A few minutes sufficed to pitch it carefully, so that no 
rent should be made in its meshes. The guides, Nat, and 
Mr. Button then crept under its folds, and, stretched out 
comfortably on rubber blankets which had been first 
spread to keep out dampness, all four fell fast asleep. 
