THE HUNTERS AND THEIR SPOIL. 247 



and I felt almost a remorse that I had been guilty of his 

 murder. 



The Redskins hastily felled a dead tree which raised 

 its gaunt red boughs in the midst of a clump of green 

 cedars ; with their hands they tore off the bark, and 

 speedily the flame rose in bluish spirals from a noble fire. 

 The snow was afterwards well beaten all around, the axe 

 brought down a couple of firs to serve as benches, and 

 while I seated myself upon one of them, my two Indians 

 set to work to flay and cut up the animal. Though they 

 used all possible diligence, this operation lasted for upwards 

 of two hours. As may be supposed, the skin, the haunch, 

 and the best portions of the flesh were deposited in a couple 

 of tobogins hastily put together. We abandoned the rest 

 to the dogs, who in their turn, having quickly satisfied 

 themselves, left the relics to the wolves, the kites, and 

 the eagles : then we resumed the road to our hunting 

 rendezvous. 



Captain Maclean arrived at the same time as we did ; 

 he too had killed his elk, but the animal had gallantly 

 defended himself, and had made him undertake a pro- 

 longed and wearisome excursion. The keen air had 

 whetted our appetite, and induced us to turn our thoughts 

 towards a solid repast. Our Indians therefore cooked the 

 marrow and the kidneys, which were devoured, and pro- 

 nounced excellent. The remainder of our provisions, well 

 wrapped up in a coverlet, was buried in the snow ; but 

 before proceeding to this operation we flung all the pick- 

 ings and parings to the dogs, who fell to the banquet with 

 renewed ardour. 



I may add that the third elk, fortunately for himself, 

 had escaped the pursuit of the Redskins. 



