THE END OF THE TRIP 331 



women, so we did considerable dodging behind 

 trunks while the process of undressing and dressing 

 went on. 



We had to pack our trophies, portions of logs cut 

 down by beavers, many high-colored stones picked up 

 on the banks of the Frazer River, jars of blueberries 

 that one of our " Falstaifs " was taking home to show 

 what real blueberries were like, the hide, antlers and 

 scalp of a caribou ; two bear hides and the dried skins 

 of trout for mounting. 



When this work was all finished, we found it would 

 be necessary to see the customs officer to bond our stuff 

 through, for if we failed to do so, it might be delayed. 

 With three green hides in one trunk, an unusual delay 

 might ruin them. 



We found the customs officer, and although he was on 

 his way to an entertainment in company with his wife, 

 he cheerfully came to our rescue, and saw that the 

 magical leaden seals were affixed to our trunks. 



The hotel men at the Ashcroft Hotel were equally 

 courteous, for although we only took supper there, they 

 placed two of their best rooms on the ground floor at 

 our disposal, saying that the train might be late, and 

 we ought to lie down and take a rest. The train was 

 late and we fully appreciated their kindness, but they 

 refused to take any pay for the use of their rooms. At 

 a few minutes of midnight, the headlight of the locomo- 

 tive that was to start us upon our long journey to the 



