74 SPORT IN NOETH AMERICA. 



night, we discovered, to our surprise, a large number 

 of footprints in the snow ; but ten minutes after- 

 wards, to our immense gratification, we found 

 ourselves at our own door, surrounded by the 

 Indians, who laughed heartily at our adventure, 

 and joked us about our awkwardness. As may be 

 readily imagined, we had lost our way, and had been 

 wandering about in a circle. 



After a night's rest, we started off once more, and 

 this time we went straight on. There was nothing 

 to distract us, neither flocks of wild turkeys, nor 

 herds of deer ; and about one o'clock in the day we 

 arrived opposite the village. But our difficulties 

 were not over yet. The Mississippi was blocked up 

 with large pieces of ice, and in spite of all our 

 signals, no one dared to cross the river. There v.-as 

 nothing for it but to pass tlie night where we were. 

 Fortunately, we found a deserted log-hut, and there 

 we sought shelter. With the help of my gun and 

 a little powder, we soon had a fire, and were not long 

 before we had a wild turkey grilling before it, which 

 we ate up to the very claws. A little straw and heather 

 served us for a bed, and thanks to the fire, which we 

 took care to feed well, the night passed without any 

 disaster. 



As soon as day broke, my friend and I left the 

 shelter of the hut. The air was cold and fresh, and 

 the icicles hung from the branches of the trees like 

 stalactites from the ceiHng of a cavern, and sparkled 



