Travels in Alaska 



repeated trials, and so did each in turn, all laughing 

 merrily at their awkward bungling. Next they tied a 

 stone to the end of the rope to carry it further and 

 with better aim, but the result was no better. Then 

 majestic old Toyatte tried his hand at the game. He 

 tied the rope to one of the canoe-poles, and taking aim 

 threw it, harpoon fashion, beyond the duck, and the 

 general merriment was redoubled when the pole got 

 loose and floated out to the middle of the pond. At 

 length John stripped, swam to the duck, threw it 

 ashore, and brought in the pole in his teeth, his com- 

 panions meanwhile making merry at his expense by 

 splashing the water in front of him and making the 

 dead duck go through the motions of fighting and 

 biting him in the face as he landed. 



The morning after this delightful day was dark and 

 threatening. A high wind was rushing down the 

 strait dead against us, and just as we were about ready 

 to start, determined to fight our way by creeping 

 close inshore, pelting rain began to fly. We con- 

 cluded therefore to wait for better weather. The 

 hunters went out for deer and I to see the forests. 

 The rain brought out the fragrance of the drenched 

 trees, and the wind made wild melody in their tops, 

 while every brown bole was embroidered by a net- 

 work of rain rills. Perhaps the most delightful part of 

 my ramble was along a stream that flowed through a 

 leafy arch beneath overleaning trees which met at the 

 top. The water was almost black in the deep pools 

 and fine clear amber in the shallows. It was the pure, 

 rich wine of the woods with a pleasant taste, bringing 



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