RETURN OF THE HUNTERS. 235 



cut to shreds, and they had been walking nearly 

 barefoot over the sharp rocks, without noticing it 

 at the time. The best portions of the meat were cut 

 off, the goat slung, together with the kid, on a pole, 

 and each shouldering an end, the two started after 

 the rest of the party. They had now to ascend the 

 mountain-side, to which Mr. O'B.'s horse had so 

 objected — a very arduous task, with their heavy 

 load. Many a halt was made before they gained 

 the summit. It was nearly dusk, and far below, 

 two or three miles away, they saw the light of 

 the camp fire. Being thoroughly done, and feeling 

 almost unable to carry their prize much further, they 

 sat down and fired a number of signal shots for the 

 others to brino: a horse for the meat. These were 

 presently answered, and the pair took up their load 

 again to descend, hoping to meet assistance before 

 long. This was almost more harassing than the 

 climbing up, the grass and " TJva TJrsi," on the lower 

 slopes, being very slippery ; but at last they reached 

 the bottom, and coming to a stream. The Assiniboine, 

 thoroughly beaten, dropped the load, and plunged his 

 head in the Avater to refresh himself. Soon after, 

 Milton and the boy came up with a horse, to carry 

 the meat, and that night we all enjoyed the most de- 

 licious supper we had eaten since leaving Edmonton. 

 Since that time — three weeks before — we had not 

 tasted any fresh meat, with the exception of a few 

 wood partridges, and the roast kid was an immense 

 treat, causing even Mr. O'B. to forget his troubles for 

 a time. 



