TRACKERS OF THE NORTH. 33 



shortest way home." A ridge of mountains 

 might lay between the place of starting and the 

 objective point, and by making a detour round 

 the spur of same, one would easier reach his 

 destination, rather than to climb up one side 

 and down the other. 



On the first day after my arrival in London 

 (the only time I ever crossed the water) a gen- 

 tleman took me out to see some of the sights. 

 He lived on the Surrey side, and took me direct, 

 or, I should say crooked, into the city across the 

 Thames. After walking me around several 

 blocks and zigzagging considerably about, he 

 came to a sudden stop at. a corner. "Now," he 

 said, "Hunter, suppose I was to disappear all 

 at once, do you think you could find your way 

 back to Elm Tree Loqlge? I have always heard 

 that you bushmen can find your way anywhere." 



Now, although there was no necessity for it, 

 my years of schooling had caused me to observe 

 every conspicuous- object, and every turn we 

 had made since leaving his residence ; and there- 

 fore I replied, with the utmost confidence, 

 "Why, to return to your house from here is as 

 simple as falling off a log." 



Looking at me with the greatest incredulity, 

 he said, "If you can find your way back unaided 

 I will pay for the best hat in London." 



"Well, my dear sir, my number is 7, and I 



3 



