OR, THE LAKE LANDS OF CANADA. 237 



and started off on the fresh one. Within twenty minutes I 

 discovered that the new trail had been made within half an 

 hour, and was, therefore, encouraged to push forward, 

 hoping to strike these animals before nightfall. The deep 

 snow seriously impeded my progress ; but, nevertheless, I 

 soon came on their warm beds, from which they had just 

 risen, about three o'clock in the afternoon. I am not cer- 

 tain whether they were frightened from their repose by my 

 incautious approach, but think it more probable that they 

 scented me because of an unfavorable wind. However, 

 they succeeded in getting away without receiving my fire. 



Their retreat was made in good order and without any 

 unseemly haste. I continued the pursuit an hour longer, 

 until warned by the sinking sun that it was time to turn 

 my face towards our hut, which was now distant from me 

 at least eight miles. It was with a heavy heart that I re- 

 traced my steps without knowing that our larder was yet 

 supplied with meat. I was overtaken in this great forest 

 by the shades of night while yet four or five miles from 

 the camp, although the stars shone out brightly in the 

 absence of the sunlight, and the moon soon came up to 

 light me along my way. 



I halted by the side of the dead moose to ascertain if old 

 bruin had been there for his meal, but my examination soon 

 convinced me that he had fully determined to wait for more 

 pleasant weather before he resumed eating. Therefore it 

 only remained for me to hasten on to the hut, where I was 

 fully assured that I would be heartily welcomed by the 

 captain. 



I arrived at my destination in due time. The first 



