It was, therefore not to be wondered at, 
that the two survivors of that terrible year had 
left their home waters, and made their way 
across country to join their more fortunate 
relatives living on Patou. The journey had 
been full of danger, for the major part of it 
had had to be made on land. Therefore, it had 
lasted for many nights. However, the two 
beavers, wise in the ways of the forest, had 
escaped every peril, and had at length reached 
their destination, tired but unharmed. 
They had been made welcome in their new 
home, being received as though they had al¬ 
ways lived there, and had merely returned from 
a visit. There was at present no lodge for them, 
but there were several dugouts along the bank 
of one of the old beaver canals. In one of these 
the two had taken up their residence and would 
remain there for the present. Later on the whole 
colony would unite in building a lodge for 
their permanent home. Therefore the new ar¬ 
rivals had nothing to worry them, but could 
enjoy themselves with the others. 
There was a small strip of beach at the cove, 
and with its sand, hard-packed by the rain of 
the previous night, made a delightful place 
for all the young beavers. It was just suited to 
their play, and they entertained themselves 
delightfully, while their elders made excursions 
to the bottom of the pond for the luscious lily 
34 
