174 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTEE. 



In the far reaches down the river, there occasionally 

 might be seen a bear stepping along the ground as if 

 dainty of its feet ; and, snuffing the intruder on his wild 

 home, he would retreat into the woods. 



To enliven all this, and give the picture the look 

 of humanity, there was also seen, struggling with the 

 floating mists, a column of blue smoke, which came from 

 a fire built on a projecting point of land, around which 

 the current swept rapidly, hurrying past every thing 

 that floated on the river. The eye of the boatmen saw 

 the advantage which the situation of the place rendered 

 to those on shore, to annoy and attack ; and as wandering 

 Indians, even in those days, did not hesitate to rob, there 

 was much speculation as to what reception the boat 

 would receive from the builders of the fire. 



The rifles were all loaded, to be prepared for any 

 kind of reception, and the loss of Mike Fink was la- 

 mented, as the prospect of a fight presented itself, where 

 he could use with effect his terrible rifle. The boat in 

 the mean time swept round the point ; but instead of an 

 enemy, there lay, in a profound sleep, Mike Fink, with 

 his feet toasting at the fire, his pillow was a huge bear 

 that had been shot on the day previous, while, scattered 

 in profusion around him, were several deer and wild 

 turkeys. 



Mike had not been idle. After selecting a place 

 most eligible for noticing the passing boat, he had spent 

 his time in hunting, — and was surrounded by trophies 



