and fling her down.

It was five good long miles to the abode of Astor M'Kree, beyond
the second portage, but the last two miles were easy travelling,
over a firm level track. "Astor M'Kree has been hauling timber or
something over here to-day. I wonder how he managed it?" called
out Katherine, as her father's pace on the well-packed snow
quickened, while she flew after him and the dogs came racing on
behind. He shouted back some answer that was inaudible, then raced
on at a great pace. Those last two miles were pure enjoyment all
round, and when they drew up before the little brown house of the
boatbuilder, Katherine was sparkling, glowing, and rosy, with a
life and animation which she never showed indoors.

Mrs. M'Kree was a worn-looking little woman, with three babies
toddling about her feet, and she welcomed her visitors with great
effusiveness.

"Well, now, I must say it is right down good of you to get through
all this way on the very first fine day. My word, what weather
we've been having!" she exclaimed. "I was telling Astor only last
night that if we had much more of that sort I'd have to keep him on
sawdust puddings and pine-cone soup. That fetched a long face on
to him, I can tell you; for it is downright fond of his food he is,
and a rare trencherman too."

"It is bad to run short of stores in keen weather like this," said
'Duke Radford, who with the help of his daughter was bringing bags,
barrels, and bundles of goods into the house from the two sledges,
while the dogs rested with an air of enjoyment delightful to behold.