266 RESTLESS NIGHT. 



densely timbered. At length we commenced to 

 ascend what evidently was the base of an extensive 

 table-land, and in a short time camped beside a 

 splendid stream, in every way fitted for fly-fishing. 



To-night I could not sleep ; although tired and 

 anxious for rest, Somnus refused to come to my 

 assistance. In whatever position I placed myself, 

 my arms and ribs appeared to be in the way, and 

 got chafed or bruised in consequence. In fact, I was 

 in one of my blue fits, which was not alleviated by 

 the sight of my friend enjoying his rest. Not even 

 the wolverines, repeating their unearthly call, nor 

 the owls freely practising their objectionable music, 

 could disturb the placidity of his slumbers. 



As the blaze of the camp-fire gradually subsided, 

 I took my bed upon my shoulders for it consisted 

 only of a blanket and went forth to collect an arm- 

 ful of fuel, no easy matter in the opaque darkness 

 of a close and densely-foliaged wood. Moccasins, 

 not being possessed of a hard sole, do not afford 

 much protection for the toes, as I found to my cost. 

 I soon procured, however, sufficient fuel to replenish 

 the fire, and when it once more gave forth its ruddy 

 flame, which leaped aloft in fantastic figures, as I lay 

 down to rest beside it ; but although I courted sleep 

 with all the assiduity of a lover courting his lady- 

 love, the fickle jade would not smile on me. To 

 pass the time I lit my pipe, but the tobacco-fumes 

 tasted nauseous, and I tossed about till it was almost 

 morning, when I became unconscious to the outer 



