--¢{ To CARIBOO AND BACK }-- “Not so much as that,” Arthur told him. ‘We were on the edge of thick woods at noon.” “Well, anyhow let’s make tracks now, for it’ will take us till midnight to catch them up I’m afraid.” The boys went along the trail at a jog trot, which was the best their tired beasts could do. Mosquitoes in clouds hung around them, tor- menting the English lad more than they did American born Jim. Gadflies worried the horses. The sun’s slanting rays were scorching in their summer intensity. It was now the beginning of July; the freshness of spring was dried up, and the green of the grass had already faded in places to yellow and dingy brown. Ag the boys urged their horses on, some- times dismounting and running beside them for a way, they talked about the prospect ahead of the overlanders, both secretly happy that they were friends at last. They knew that Fort Pitt was the next objective of the caravan. It had been hoped by some to reach it this day, but various hindrances had delayed them. Some of those who had left Fort Garry with them were there already without a doubt. But the ee Se eee [105]