OR, THE LAKE LANDS OF CANADA. 



increasing gloom, I soon found myself at the end of the 

 gorge and on the top of the mountain. The entire length 

 of this deep ravine did not exceed two miles, but I had 

 spent within it more than three hours. Having reached 

 the mountain-top, I was now convinced that I had an 

 abundance of time to return to our camp by the way of 

 the head of the lake ; and I was prompted to start in this 

 direction by the belief that Mr. Mildenberger would prob- 

 ably remain in that vicinity until I could join him. It now 

 remained for me to determine the direction which I must 

 take in order to reach this objective-point. I seated my- 

 self for a few moments, thought on the subject, and then 

 proceeded on my journey, but had not taken a dozen steps 

 when I caught an instantaneous glance of a fine buck 

 not more than forty yards from me on the slope of the 

 mountain. This animal rushed down the mountain-side 

 with such rapidity that I was unable to get a distinct out- 

 line of his form at any time after he had taken his first 

 leap, although the movements of the underbrush and a 

 shadowy figure were visible for a few seconds. Romp 

 started promptly after the fleeing animal, and Ponto soon 

 joined in the chase. The direction taken by these fugi- 

 tives was towards the head of the lake, and therefore I 

 followed after them. I had tramped, I supposed, about 

 two miles, when I came to a cedar swamp, which I unhesi- 

 tatingly penetrated, and soon found myself standing on 

 the edge of a considerable brook, which I thought would 

 enter the lake near the head of that body of water ; con- 

 sequently, I started down this stream, which I followed 

 about two miles, when I heard a shout from the photog- 



