CHAPTER II. 



SCENERY NEAR PORTAGE LA LOCHE THE CAMP HUNTERS THREE OLD FRIENDS 



OLD JAKE'S STORY STORM ON 1 THE CLEARWATER UNCOMFORTABLE NIGHT 



DAWN THINGS BRIGHTEN JAKE'S OPINION OF THE SETTLEMENTS HIS 

 FIRST GUN. 



IT is usual to commence a story of this nature by 

 diffusing a roseate hue over the landscape, and by rep- 

 resenting the hero or heroes as enjoying their situa- 

 tion to their hearts' content. 



I regret that I am unable to deviate so far from 

 facts as to imitate this seductive example. On the 

 contrary, when the incidents occurred from which I 

 draw this veracious tale, the rain poured in torrents, 

 plashing against the rocks, and seething in the fur- 

 rowed surface of the Clearwater River. Murky clouds 

 concealed the sky behind their dripping folds, and 

 threw an inhospitable gloom over a scene which, even 

 under such unfavourable circumstances, was eminently 

 picturesque. 



This effect is heightened by the sudden manner in 

 which the prospect bursts upon the view. A steep hill 

 ends the portage La Loche ; and this surmounted, the 

 eye falls first upon a beautiful hill of emerald green- 



