A SUMPTUOUS BUEAKFAST. 289 



ing too thick about him, and said he felt a strong 

 inclination to make another move. lie mentioned how 

 fortunate and happy he was in his family, lie spoke 

 of his children, and as I listened to him my troubled 

 thoughts were soothed ; it was as if one of my own, 

 family was speaking. Thus passed our evening till 

 sleep weighed down our eyelids, and wrapped in our 

 blankets past and future were forgotten. 



Next morning, as the tips of the western mountains 

 were lighted up with the first rays of the rising sun, 

 we woke from our lairs, shook off the wreaths of frost, 

 and joyfully inhaled the fresh morning air ; it was 

 bitter cold, the water in our tin cups was all frozen, as 

 was the meat, but a breakfast fit for a prince was soon 

 smoking before us juicy venison, fat turkey, good 

 strong coffee, and maize bread. Where was the hotel 

 that could afford fare as good ? but man is fated never 

 to be satisfied my companion sighed for bear. 



Before breakfast was quite ready I went to the 

 creek which flowed at a few paces from our camp, to 

 have a good wash, and finding a hole with deep water 

 as clear as crystal, I threw off my clothes, and plunged 

 under the cool element. It was a delicious treat, and 

 I did not feel the cold till I got out ; but I was soon 

 by the fire, and by the time I had my clothes on I felt 

 such an animating glow, and such strength that I could 

 almost have torn an oak up by the roots. Old C. 

 looked on smiling, but thought it too cold to plunge in, 

 and contented himself with washing face, breast, hands, 

 and feet. Thus refreshed, we sat down to breakfast ; 

 turkey, venison, coffee, and bread disappeared with 

 terrific rapidity ; even Bearsgrease appeared surprised 

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