38 CAMP-FIRES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES 



make each load as homogeneous as possible. For in- 

 stance, they did not load a horse with a bed-roll on one 

 side and canned goods on the other. Dead weight on 

 one side calls for similar weight on the other, and bulk 

 demands bulk. The diamond hitch with its cutting ropes 

 was not employed, every load being provided with broad 

 girths made especially for packs. In making up a pack- 

 train, Charlie Smith is a past master, but the Norboes 

 also are very skilful at it. 



Just above our Sulphur Spring Camp, we passed the 

 cabin of a lame and solitary but cheerful German rancher 

 named Wild-Cat Charlie. When we passed his estab- 

 lishment, he was absent, making hay; and on his cabin- 

 door hung a large padlock. 



" Well," I said, " this is the first lock I have ever 

 seen on a ranchman's door in the wild West." 



" Oh, pshaw! That's all bluff," Charlie Smith hast- 

 ened to say. " He locks his door, because he is proud 

 of having the only padlock in the Valley; but he tells 

 everybody where he keeps the key. There it is, — on that 

 nail." 



It is known that Wild-Cat Charlie is no great reader, 

 and is wellnigh destitute of books and papers. Our 

 men are constantly wondering what he thinks about, — or 

 whether he thinks at all, — during the fearfully long win- 

 ter evenings, as he sits by his fire and smokes. Although 

 somewhat cranky, he is very hospitable, and many a 

 half-frozen trapper has had occasion to bless the wel- 

 coming hand and warm fireside to be found at " Wild- 

 Cat Charlie's." 



