A DANGEROUS TRIO. 51

the edges of my flints, renewed the primings, and
returning to the hut, gave a favourable account of
my observations. I took a few bear-skins, made a
pallet of them, and calling my faithful dog to my
side, lay down, with my gun close to my body, and
in a few minutes was to all appearance fast
asleep.

‘A short time had elapsed when some voices were
heard, and from the corner of my eyes I saw two
athletic youths making their entrance, bearing a
dead stag ona pole. They disposed of their bur-
den, and asking for whisky, helped themselves
freely to it. Observing me and the wounded In-
dian, they asked who I was, and why that rascal
(meaning the Indian, who, they knew, understood
not a word of English) was in the house. The
mother—for so she proved to be—bade them speak
less loudly, made mention of my watch, and took
them to a corner, where a conversation took place.
he last words reached me—‘“ That will soon settle
him! Boys, kill you; and then for the watch.”

“IT turned, cocked my gun-locks silently, and
tapped gently my faithful dog, who moved his tail
and fixed his eyes alternately on me and on the
trio in the corner. I lay ready to start up and
shoot the first who might attempt my life. The
moment was fast approaching, and that night might

have been my last in this world, had not Providence
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