“Now if Bob was only here!” And several times during the day she said, “I’m just wishin’ t’ show Bob my pretty doll—­an’ won’t he be glad t’ see un!”

The report from the Mountaineer Indians that no Nascaupees had been seen had set at rest their fears for the lad’s safety.  The apprehension that he might get into the hands of the Nascaupees had been the chief cause of worry, for they felt full confidence in Bob’s ability to cope with the wilderness itself.

The day was so full of surprises and new sensations that when bedtime came Emily was quite tired out with the excitement of it all, and was hardly able to keep awake until the family worship was closed.  Then she went to sleep with the doll in her arms.

The week from Christmas till New Year passed quickly.  Richard Gray was at home, and this was a great treat for Mrs. Gray and Emily, and with several of their neighbours who lived within ten to twenty miles of Wolf Bight driving over with dogs to spend a few hours—­for most of the men were home from their traps for the holidays—­the time was pretty well filled up.  Emily’s doll was a never failing source of amusement to her, and she always slept with it in her arms.

Over at the Post it was a busy week for Mr. MacDonald and his people, for all the Bay hunters and Indians had trading to do, and most of them remained at least one night to gossip and discuss their various prospects and enjoy the hospitality of the kitchen; and then there was a dance nearly every night, for this was their season of amusement and relaxation in the midst of the months of bitter hardships on the trail.

Bessie and her mother had not a moment to themselves, with all the extra cooking and cleaning to be done, for it fell upon them to provide for every one; and it became quite evident to Bessie that she could not get away for her proposed visit to Wolf Bight until the last of the hunters was gone.  This would not be until the day after New Year’s, so she postponed her request to her father, to take her over, until New Year’s day.  Then she watched for a favourable opportunity when she was alone with him and her mother.  Finally it came late in the afternoon, when he stepped into the house for something, and she asked him timidly: 

“Father, I’m wantin’ t’ go on a cruise t’ Wolf Bight—­t’ see Emily—­can’t you take me over with th dogs an’ komatik?”

“When you wantin’ t’ go, lass?” he asked.

“I’m wishin’ t’ be goin’ to-morrow.”

“I’m t’ be wonderful busy for a few days.  Can’t un wait a week or two?”

“I’m wantin’ t’ go now, father, if I goes.  I’m not wantin’ t’ wait.”

“Bob’s t’ be home,” suggested Mrs. Blake.

“Oh, ho!  I see!” he exclaimed. “‘Tisn’t Bob instead o’ Emily you’re wantin’ so wonderful bad t’ see now, is un?”

“’Tis—­Emily—­I’m wantin’—­t’—­see,” faltered Bessie, blushing prettily and fingering the hem of her apron in which she was suddenly very much interested.