After Caribou 109 



forest of spruce and birch, so dark that our 

 return to camp would have been impossible if 

 the foresight of the guide had not provided for 

 this in the shape of torches made out of the 

 bark of the birch tree ; and these threw a good 

 light about us as we tramped on through the 

 dense woods under the falling night. After 

 eating supper, consisting of broiled caribou, 

 boiled potatoes, etc., we all retired early. 



The following morning was cloudy, with 

 every indication for rain, but after breakfast 

 as usual we started for Stillwater, reaching 

 there about 7 o'clock. Our canoe needed 

 mending, having the previous day sprung a 

 leak; but with a mixture of rosin and grease 

 boiled together the sides were soon made wa- 

 ter-tight again, and we glided smoothly over 

 the water, with the lookout at the helm. At a 

 turn in the bank came the signal for silence 

 from the guide, indicating game ahead. All 

 hands became on the alert and full of expecta- 

 tions as to what the quarry might be. Should 

 perchance one of us exceed the minimum of 

 noise considered rightfully his portion, old 

 Tom, combined guide and helmsman, could be 



