42 THE SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE; 



controlling the acts of the chief guide became apparent to 

 him. I had suggested that the Governor and Esculapius,, 

 with Jim and Frank, start immediately for Watte's Creek ; 

 that I remain behind with John ; that during the absence 

 of my friends I would, with the assistance of John, put up 

 the tent, make all necessary arrangements for their com- 

 fort and a deer-hunt, which should follow promptly after 

 their return. It required considerable urging on my part 

 to bring this part of my programme into force, but soon 

 after daylight Esculapius came from the cabin ; he too 

 was sick, was discouraged, but when I had explained 

 our present intentions, and all the facts connected with 

 the same, he readily consented to its adoption. In the 

 mean time the guides having arrived, breakfast has been 

 eaten, the Governor and Esculapius, with the guides, Jim 

 and Frank, are off for the fishing-ground. John remains 

 behind with me. He seems tired, is ill-natured ; declares 

 that neither the Governor nor Esculapius will find any 

 sport at Watte's Creek. 



It was after considerable urging that I succeeded in 

 getting him to take hold with me and put up the tent ; but 

 this was finally accomplished, and then the balsam .boughs 

 were arranged in true Adirondack style. The bed and 

 tent were all that a sportsman could wish. I once more 

 requested John to lead me in the woods. He was a little 

 slow in getting off and very slow after he had got off. 

 During a short ramble in the woods to-day I shot a par- 

 tridge and a very large porcupine. The following night I 

 was alone in camp, John had gone to the same cabin 

 where he had spent the last night, and was not seen again 



