Adventure and adventurers > Away in the wilderness, or, Life among the red Indians and fur-traders of North America

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AWAY IN THE WILDERNESS.
“How so, father-in-law, that is to be,” said
Jasper, “ were ye goin’ out to your traps so late
as this 1”
“ Nay, man, but I was startin’ for the fort.
It’s a long way, as you know, and my old limbs
are not just so supple as yours. I thought I
would travel to-night, and sleep in the woods, so
as to be there in good time to-morrow. But come
in, come in, and rest you. I warrant me you’ll
not feel inclined for more walkin’ to-night.”
“ Now my name is not Jasper Derry if I enter
your hut this night,” said the hunter stoutly.
“If I could not turn round and walk straight
back to the fort this night, I would not be worthy
of your daughter, old man. So come along with
you. What say you, Arrowhead; shall we go
straight back 1”
“ Good,” answered the Indian.
“Well, well,” cried Laroche, laughing, “lead
the way, and I will follow in your footsteps. It
becomes young men to beat the track, and old
ones to take it easy.”
The three men turned their faces towards Fort
Erie, and were soon far away from the log hut.
They walked steadily and silently along, without
once halting, until the night became so dark that
it was difficult to avoid stumps and bushes. Then
they prepared to encamp in the snow.
Now it may seem to many people a very dis-