formed a scene of surpassing charm which many an artist would have
given much to capture.

At first Jean found the walking on the snow-shoes somewhat difficult,
and many a tumble did she receive which caused Kitty much amusement.
But directed by the Indian woman, she soon overcame her awkwardness and
ere long was able to move forward gracefully and rapidly. In two days
she was quite an expert, and could even run upon the springing
snow-shoes, much to the delight of the two natives.

"Ka-lo-ut. Ka-lo-ut--Good. Good," was Sam's comment as he watched her
coming off the lake at the end of the second day of training. "Babby
walk all sam' Injun now."

The next morning the Indians began to pack up their few belongings, and
Jean was delighted when they told her that at last the long overland
journey was to begin. The streams were now frozen, and the travelling
good.

"How long will it take us to make the journey?" Jean asked Sam.

"Long tam. Wan moon, mebbe. Two moon, mebbe."

"What! two months?"

"A-ha-ha, mebbe. See bimeby."

It was near mid-day when at last everything was ready and they left the
little lodge by the lake and plunged into the forest. A pang of regret
smote Jean's heart as she cast a backward glance upon the humble abode.