286 AN AMERICAN HUNTER 



a long furrow. I then repeated the operation on the 

 opposite hillside, thus making a trace which it was im- 

 possible for any one coming up or down the valley to 

 overlook; and having conned certain landmarks by which 

 the valley itself could be identified, I struck toward camp 

 at a round trot; for I knew that if I did not get into the 

 valley where the tent lay before dark, I should have to 

 pass the night out. However, the last uncertain light of 

 dusk just enabled me to get over a spur from which I 

 could catch a glimpse of the camp-fire, and as I stumbled 

 toward it through the forest I heard a couple of shots, 

 which showed that the cook and packer were getting 

 anxious as to my whereabouts. 



