128 CAMP-FIRES OF A NATURALIST. 



was useless to try to sleep, for the winged pests made 

 life a burden the whole night long. At earliest day- 

 light the party was up, and scarcely waiting for 

 breakfast, they struck camp and went back to Thorp's 

 ranch, where arrangements were made to store the 

 bulk of the outfit. 



After an excellent dinner served by Thorp's squaw, 

 they started once more for the hunting-grounds. 

 The trail now led up the side of old Mount Chapaca, 

 and was a most pleasant change from what had been 

 experienced during the past few days. The air 

 was clear and cool, and there was none of the dust 

 and heat which had made life a burden during their 

 long ride over the barren country. Just as the sun 

 sank behind the western range a cosy grassy spot 

 beside flowing water was seen, and as the horses 

 were halted for camp it was discovered that the place 

 had been utilised for the same purpose by someone 

 some time before. On a large pine tree was found 

 the legend : " Camp Disappointment. Could not find 

 the hidden mine." 



A fawn had fallen a victim to the rifle of one of 

 the party as they came up the mountain, and by the 

 side of the cool spring the camp was anything but a 

 disappointment to the naturalist and his companions. 

 Mac had been telling of a certain beautiful stream 

 just ahead which was full of trout, and next day the 

 place was reached early in the forenoon. Mac's fish- 

 stories were generally looked upon with suspicion by 

 this time, but the doctor and the judge were so in- 

 spired with his apparent truthfulness about this river 

 that they did not wait to eat, but hurried away and 



