Memories of a Bear Hunter 



to find a place for anything more. The eight 

 bear skins had taken the place of all the food con- 

 sumed since crossing the mountains. The valley 

 of the river was narrow, not more than two hun- 

 dred yards from the abrupt mountainside to the 

 ice-bound river. We determined to approach the 

 band quietly, get them started down the stream 

 and gently urge them ahead of us until near the 

 next camp, when we would kill one. 



But u the best laid schemes o' mice and men 

 gang aft agley." The elk preferred to go in an- 

 other direction. As we approached them, one- 

 half of the band began to> climb the mountainside 

 to the right, while the others had huddled together 

 in the bottom and seemed undetermined what 

 direction to take. We were traveling in the usual 

 fashion. I was in the lead, followed by the packs 

 in single file, while George and the camp-keeper, 

 Erickson, followed behind, pushing along the 

 pack animals, and seeing that their loads were 

 riding well. 



As we approached the elk, they became very 

 uneasy, and showed no disposition to. keep quietly 

 ahead of us, down to the next camp. When we 

 had approached still nearer, they began to attempt 

 to pass us on the right, close to the mountain. I 

 galloped in that direction to head them off, and 



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