OR, THE LAKE LANDS OF CANADA. 205 



ceived his death wound. He had made but a single leap 

 and fallen dead. The deer was promptly skinned, and a 

 choice piece selected for our present wants, after which the 

 balance of the carcass was left behind for the use of the 

 wolves. We now retraced our steps to the point where 

 the captain had dropped his pack, when he started on the 

 second moose chase. Here George Ross joined us and 

 reported in glowing terms the incidents of his race, and 

 the various causes of its failure. He regretted that his 

 feet were not encased in moccasins instead of the heavy 

 boots that he was then wearing, and assured us with much 

 confidence that, had he been thus attired, he should cer- 

 tainly have provided himself with a hairy overcoat, which 

 the old cow would now probably continue to wear, instead 

 of himself, during the coming winter. 



This young man talked wildly about the overcoat which 

 he had barely failed to secure, and romanced nearly every 

 day on this subject as long as he remained in the woods 

 with us. The storm now recommenced, snow falling once 

 more, night was approaching; the lean-to must be put 

 up, wood and boughs gathered, and our frugal meal pre- 

 pared. The captain desired to take one more look for 

 game before darkness covered the earth. He was not 

 satisfied with the results of his shooting during the after- 

 noon. He wished to make an effort immediately, to re- 

 deem his good name ; consequently, after having urged 

 George and your humble servant to make the necessary 

 preparation for the night, he sallied forth once more in 

 quest of moose. 



He had not expressed, either to George or myself, his 



