CHAPTER III. 



THE DEPARTURE THE STAG HOUNDS THE CHASE ROUND 

 LAKE. 



FROM Martin's Lake House we were to take our depar- 

 ture in the morning. We had arranged for three boats, 

 and as many stalwart boatmen. Two of these boats were 

 for our own conveyance, and one for our luggage and provi- 

 sions ; the latter to be sent forward with our tents in ad- 

 vance, so as to have a home ready for us always, at our 

 coming, when we chose to linger by the way. These boat- 

 men were all jolly, good-natured and pleasant people, with 

 a vast deal of practical sense, and a valuable experience in 

 woodcraft, albeit they were rough and unpolished. Their 

 hearts were in the right place, and they commanded our 

 respect always for their kindness and attention to our wants, 

 while they maintained at all times that sturdy independence 

 which enters so largely into the character of the border men 

 of our country. Their boats are constructed of spruce or 

 cedar boards of a quarter of an inch in thickness, " clap- 



