248 CAMP-FIRES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES 



violence, and came roaring down the narrow valley until 

 the trees rocked under its force, and many tree-tops were 

 snapped off and hurled to the ground. I could feel roots 

 moving under our bed of boughs, like great snakes 

 writhing, and was thoroughly afraid that a tree-top, 

 or a tree, would be snapped ofif and sent crashing down 

 upon us. 



" At last I got so nervous I could lie still no longer, 

 and crawled out of the tiny tent, ostensibly to mend the 

 fire. John Norboe occupied my canvas sleeping-bag, 

 outside. 



" * Have you got a pipeful of tobacco, John? ' I asked, 

 for the sole purpose of rousing him a bit. 



" * No, I hain't,' said John, ' but I know what's the 

 matter with you! ' 



" ' Well, what? ' 



" ' You're scared/ ' 



" ' Well, so are you! * 



" ' Say, Mr. Phillips, does this sleepin' bag o' yourn 

 ever leak? ' 



"'No. Why?' 



" * Becos it's full o' water that's run in at the top, and 

 I've been a-hopin' it would run out below.' 



" But at last the long night wore away without 

 accident." 



Two days later I assisted in working up those three 

 fine specimens, especially in the work on the heads. In 

 fact, I may say I was chief mourner; but it was a task 

 of great interest, as will be noted elsewhere. 



