round these that caused us to lose our way I cannot say, but after a long walk we failed to sight the pond.  We made a fresh start and tried another direction without success.  ‘We are lost, for sure,’ exclaimed Allan.  Putting his hands to his mouth he let out a yell that startled the crows from a tree-top.  We listened, there was no answering sound.  Then he whistled long and sharp.  Again no answer.  Jabez had pointed out to me that the north could always be known by more moss growing on that side of trees, and I decided we had been travelling in that direction.  If we could have got a glimpse of the sun we would have known for sure the points of the compass, but the foliage of the tree-tops prevented a ray getting through.  We walked smartly, as we thought southwards, when Allan again yelled with all his might.  Strange to say, an hillo came from the woods on our left and quite close to us.  We hurried in the direction of the sound and came out on a small clearance with a shanty in the middle.  A well-made young fellow stood at the door.  ‘Lost your bearings, eh?’ he asked.  ‘Yes,’ answered Allan, ‘and glad you heard my yell.’  He led us into the shanty; the table was spread for supper and a man and woman were seated ready to begin ’These two fellows are Scotties, new-come out, and got wandered,’ was our introduction.  Responding to a hearty invitation, seats were found and we helped to dispose of the dried venison and bread that was on the board.  ’Did you ever taste coffee like that?’ asked the woman as Allan passed in his tin for a second supply.  ’That is bush-coffee and better than the storestuff.  It is made from dandelion roots and I will tell your folk how to make it.’  They were Americans and had led a wandering life, for the father was a trapper.  Game becoming scarce from growing settlement on the American side he had crossed into Canada and had spent the last two winters round lake Simcoe.  ‘There is no hunting after February’ he said, ’for every critter then begins nursing and the fur is not worth paying for, so we came south and took this shanty, setting to work to make axhelves and shingles, there being ready sale in Toronto.  We move back to the lakes in the Fall.’  I asked him about the shanty.  He replied that it was not his nor did he know whose it was.  ’Like enough some poor emigrant drew the lot and after breaking his back with hard work in making a clearance, found he could not pay the price and just lit out.  You will find deserted shanties everywhere in the bush left by families who lost heart.’  He showed much interest in our coming and we had difficulty in getting him to recognize our location.  It was not until I mentioned the pond that he recognized the spot.  ’Why, you aint much over a mile to go.’  When we were about to start the whole family got ready to go with us.  ‘The sun won’t set for an hour yet, and there is good moonlight,’ said Simmins, for that he told us was his name.  ’Did you never get lost?’ I asked.  ’That