Of course, the cabin door had to be unlocked so that 

 we might view it from the inside looking out, and the 

 primitive measures of comfort provided for emergen- 

 cies were duly ^- i AVo sampled the hardtack, but 

 decided that on the whole our own lunch was prefer- 

 able. The silver coffee urn was pressed into service, 

 and "Bob" thereupon proved his right to the title of 

 coffeemaker without a peer. 



On the home stretch we branched off this trail at the 

 point where it converges with one leading to Elk 

 Springs. As we left the rustic bridge, we paused spell- 

 bound at the beautiful picture which confronted us. 

 On either side of the trail, on a slope rising gradually 

 from the lake, slender, snow-white birches formed a 

 gossamer vista as far as eye could see ; and in the back- 

 ground, standing guard as it were, the somber pine and 

 spruce reared their plume-like tops. The effect was 

 indescribably lovely, and we thought that nature must 

 have designed it in one of her most artistic moods. 

 From time to time as we went along the trail some- 

 times finding it no easy matter to maintain a foothold 

 we could hear the pleasant gurgle of running water ; 

 and on investigation we would find that the under- 

 ground springs in irrepressible enthusiasm had broken 

 bounds and sought the light of day before they were 

 scheduled to appear farther on as the well known Elk 

 Springs. We found the water to be very clear and cold, 

 with a most agreeable taste, and very refreshing after 

 our long walk. It was on this trip that we saw a por- 

 cupine curled up on a tree branch, and later we saw 

 one on the road, presenting a most ludicrous picture as 



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