~~ To CARIBOO AND BACK }--

stars and did not wake until the sun was high enough to point its rays on his eyelids.

He woke up reluctantly; then remembered where he was and looked overhead to make sure that his precious venison was safe. It was, and he slowly got to his feet, stiff but refreshed.

First to eat, then to catch up with the cara- van was the program Jim made for himself. It did not seem a difficult one to carry out, for Jinks was a speedy little pony, and even though carrying a heavy load he should be able soon to overtake the slow-going oxen.

So at least thought Jim.

When at length he emerged out of the shade of the woods, leading the pony which had the carcass of the deer. slung across the saddle, he was dismayed to notice how high the sun already was.

“lucky for you, Jinks my boy, that deer’s not a wapiti” he told the pony as he swung himself up behind the load. ‘We've got to make tracks now and no mistake.”

The tough little buckskin managed a slow lope at first, but soon had to drop into a walk

[99]