"You are not very sociable, ma'am," he said cheerfully, spreading out his hands to the blaze, "but actions speak louder than words, and the prospect of that 'boiled dinner' in the kettle fully compensates me for the lack of conventional attentions. Permit me!" He saw that she was about to lift the pot from the fire, and stepping in front of her he proceeded to relieve her of the task, to which, in truth, with her bent and aged form, she hardly seemed equal. A minute later the contents of the pot were heaped in a large wooden platter on the table. At this interesting point Kanuka entered from a rear door, stamping off the snow, and took his place on the bench beside Fred. "Don't apologise, brother," said the latter, with perfect good-humour. "In great emergencies all men are free and equal--as they were born. See Constitution of the United States of America, line 3. Suppose we draw this seat up to the board, which groans with the delicacies of the season?" Kanuka assented with a grunt, and, their hostess having supplied each with a large wooden spoon, they proceeded to eat from the dish; the "delicacies" being found to consist of rice, with some other unknown vegetables and bits of boiled beef. There was but little said during the meal. The two natives ate in silence, and Fred was too much occupied in avoiding doubtful ingredients, in his own share of the common mess of reeking food, to put any unusual strain upon his conversational powers. The withered crone now produced a flask of vodka, which Fred at first refused, but of which the others partook freely. The effect of the liquor was to loosen their tongues somewhat, and they conversed with each other in low gutturals. Presently the woman took the vodka flask and left the room, returning shortly with a mug full of liquor, which she again proffered her guest. "She has mixed it with snow," interpreted Kanuka, as she urged it upon him. "It is weak and will not hurt you." Not to seem discourteous Fred drank a little, but soon drew back from the table. "I'm not thirsty, Kanuka," said he, "but I am tired and sleepy. Are the animals provided for?" Kanuka nodded. "Warm, and supplied with food." "And my packs?" "They are in the out-house." "Very well; I'll go to sleep, if the lady of the house will point out my bedroom." Kanuka spoke to the woman, who withdrew for a moment. She came back with two skins, one of a reindeer and the other a shaggy pelt which Fred did not recognise. She threw these down in a corner of the room, opposite the fire. "There is your bed," said the guide. "Sleep well." "Same to you," said Fred, yawning. "Good-night, ma'am!"