216 THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE BY LAND. 



we found very fresh tracks crossing the stream, and 

 on the opposite bank, a wet hne marked by the drip- 

 pings from the shaggy coats of the animals after 

 emerging from the water. 



We followed on. The Assiniboine leading, at a great 

 pace, yet with wonderful stillness, through the thick 

 underwood, finding from time to time fresher and still 

 fresher signs — a rotten log newly torn open, a bees' nest 

 just dug up, and footmarks in which the grass seemed 

 still rising after the removal of the pressure. We were 

 in a high state of excitement, stealthily advancing, with 

 guns cocked and bated breath, expecting every moment 

 to see their terrible forms close to us, when w^e came 

 upon a hard, grassless stretch of ground, w^here the 

 men were unable to follow the tracks, and, after a long 

 search, were, much to our chagrin, compelled to give 

 up the pursuit. 



Milton and Baptiste returned to camp to pack up 

 and proceed on the journey, Cheadle and Assiniboine 

 being bent on following a fresh moose-track w^hich we 

 had crossed. They rejoined the party before nightfall, 

 without having succeeded in finding the animal they 

 had followed. 



When Milton arrived near the camp, he observed 

 Mr. O'B.'s head cautiously protruded from the lodge 

 door, taking an observation, and when he perceived 

 that human beings, and not bears, were approaching, 

 he ventured forth, welcoming them with great glee, 

 and discoursing on the dreadful suspense he had 

 endured during their absence. 



On the following day, w^hen Cheadle w^as about 



