this wooded ravine. Once we floun- 

 dered in a willow bog; but it was a 

 passing frown not indicative of tem- 

 per. Already the way was smiling, 

 masses of flaming Indian cup, and the 

 fairy blue bell, the aristocratic lupin 

 in full lilac bloom, and wealth of 

 feathery grasses for the open glades, 

 while in the leafy gloom was spread 

 a carpet of pine needles on which 

 the willing partridge vine had woven 

 a pattern of shining green, pailletted 

 with coral, and strange coloured 

 beads on brilliant red and purple 

 stems welcomed our passing. 



Three miles of this when the Cap'n 

 made a signal to dismount. I looked 

 disapproving surprise which brought 

 in response a hitch of the shoulder, 

 a jerk of the head, which indicated 

 that it was not far to walk. Silently 

 he tied the horses and made his way, 

 through a thicket, with elaborate care 

 to avoid noise, I followed, hardly 

 breathing, and Nimrod brought up as 

 rear guard. His eyes had unusual 

 brightness. Perhaps he was on the 

 edge of solving a long dispute be- 

 tween hunters and scientists. It was 

 understood that if possible I was to 



