JAKE'S FT RE-STICK. 241 



" I jest wants to know," said the old hunter ; " fur ef 

 it's very latish an' I kinder think it will we'll hev 

 to try a dodge I used to practise back in old Massoura. 

 I hain't seed the right thing yet," he continued, casting 

 his eyes keenly round among the trees. "Most o' 

 the timmer hyur is young. I guess I've jest sighted 

 it, sure enuff," he exclaimed, moving off from the 

 young men, who gazed after him with considerable 

 curiosity. 



A huge old tree lay prostrate at some distance, its 

 venerable trunk inwreathed with climbing parasites, 

 which had shared its fall, or had grown up over it and 

 served it as a shroud. Towards this Jake directed his 

 steps. Witfa his hatchet he soon knocked away the 

 luxuriant covering, and with his hands removed some 

 of the decayed wood. 



" I reckin," he said to himself, " this'll jest do ;" and 

 carrying a handful of the rotten wood, he rejoined his 

 comrades. 



"Now, boyees," said he, "ef ye'll take my advice, 

 ye'll give the Salt Lick a wide berth till torst evenin'. 

 The deer'll then be on the move, an' we'll get a grist o' 

 them, I'll allow, by caching near the Lick. 'Tain't o' 

 no use to go thur now." 



After a little consideration, both Pierre and Gaultier 

 agreed that their wisest course would be to follow the 

 trapper's advice. They therefore retraced their steps 

 towards the camp, where they arrived, having seen 

 neither bird nor beast by the way. 



