RETURN TO BLOWTRAP'S. 257 



than fifteen yards off. This was too enticing ; I raised 

 the gun, and off went the golden green head of the 

 largest of them. I reloaded, fished out my bird, and 

 was turning up the stream, when I heard Slowtrap's gun 

 above a mile off, and a.s I had no intention of walking 

 so far, I took my duck by the neck and walked home. 

 Where was my home? Wherever I happened to be 

 where I had erected a bark shed, or spread my blanket, 

 or lighted a fire, or where the hospitable roof of a 

 farmer or backwoodsman received me ; though the 

 next morning might find me with all my goods on my 

 back no heavy burden seeking new shooting-ground, 

 and a new home. What then ? I went home, and 

 commenced mending my old moccasins once more, 

 though they were almost worn out ; and as I had some 

 tanned deer-skin, I cut out a new pair, for the others 

 would have never survived a long march. 



22* 



