AN ARDUOUS JOURNEY. 169 



in an attempt to find some way out of the country, 

 but he gave it up in despair. Naming the place Camp 

 Last Attempt, next morning they turned south and 

 travelled until they found a place where the ground 

 was moist. A hole was dug, and the seepage gave 

 enough water to fill a quart-cup. So careful were the 

 hunters with this that they dipped it from the hole 

 with a spoon for fear of losing a drop. The horses 

 were compelled to go without water until Camp 

 Chickadee was reached next day. 



Resolving on one more effort next day, a northeast- 

 erly direction was taken with the hope of leaving the 

 worst of the swamp to the west. After a hard day's 

 travel a small opening in the woods was found where 

 there was water and grass. Camp was made, and 

 Dyche was soon at the top of a tall tree looking over 

 the country. The bald tops of the mountains looked 

 invitingly near, and it was determined to get to them 

 if possible. There was sufficient grass to last the 

 horses two days, and it was decided to leave them 

 here and proceed on foot to the base of the mountain. 

 Dyche carried the axe, and the two men started due 

 north, blazing a trail through the deep woods. They 

 were compelled to zigzag through the timber, and 

 while the blazes were frequent and large, there were 

 none too many when they returned. 



At three o'clock in the afternoon the base of the 

 mountains was reached, and they hastened to the top, 

 where many tracks of deer and caribou were seen. 

 On all sides droves of deer were feeding on the 

 rich grass which grew in profusion on the slopes. 

 From the top of the mountain the country was ex- 



