228 BIRCH BROWSINGS. 



and we began the descent. I noticed that 

 the woods were much thicker, and had quite 

 a different look from those I had passed 

 through, but thought nothing of it, as I 

 expected to strike the lake near its head, 

 whereas I had before come out at its foot. 

 We had not gone far when we crossed a line 

 of marked trees, which my companions were 

 disposed to follow. It intersected our course 

 nearly at right angles, and kept along and 

 up the side of the mountain. My impres- 

 sion was that it led up from the lake, and 

 that by keeping our own course we should 

 reach the lake sooner than if we followed 

 this line. 



About half-way down the mountain, we 

 could see through the interstices the opposite 

 slope. I encouraged my comrades by telling 

 them that the lake was between us and that, 

 and not more than half a mile distant. We 

 soon reached the bottom, where we found a 

 small stream and quite an extensive alder- 

 swamp, evidently the ancient bed of a lake. 

 I explained to my half-vexed and half-in- 

 credulous companions that we were probably 

 above the lake, and that this stream must 

 lead to it. " Follow it," they said ; " we will 

 wait here till we hear from you." 



