136 THE LOG OF A TIMBER CEUISER 



came upon one unawares, before an effective warn- 

 ing could be sounded. 



As an antidote in case of accident we carried a 

 small vial of potassium permanganate in each com- 

 pass case, so that we felt doubly safe. Indeed, 

 our carelessness toward the last brought us into 

 many a dangerous situation when only a quick, in- 

 stinctive backward leap, a duck of the head, or an 

 abrupt halt saved us from playing the part of pin- 

 cushion to the fangs of a waiting enemy. 



