54 WILD BROTHER 



the north of Gordon's camp had been burned out. 

 We were advised to keep away from this section 

 until the drought was broken ; but I could not think 

 of going back without the bear and so we de- 

 cided to make one more trip in to the lumber- 

 camp. 



On this calm June morning not a leaf was stirr- 

 ing in the tree-tops. If there had been any breeze, 

 it would have been unwise to start. The roads 

 were now dried out, and we could take the regular 

 highway to a point within four miles of the camp. 

 To be sure, this was considerably longer than the 

 winter trail, but we could cover the distance in 

 much less time and with far greater comfort. 



With a fine pair of horses hitched to a rough 

 lumber wagon, we rattled over the ground at a good 

 rate of speed. A little before noon we left the regu- 

 lar road and drew into the woods, where the smoke 

 was thick and its pungent odor more oppressive. 

 No city teamster would have thought it possible to 

 move a wagon over that rough logging trail, but 

 our backwoods horses knew their business, and 

 they jerked along over rocks and down into gullies 

 at a brisk walk. Only by great care were we able 

 to stay in the wagon. Finally I gave up ; it was 

 much easier and more comfortable to walk. Com- 

 rade, however, stuck to the wagon. With a broad 

 strap we tied her in, and for the balance of the 



