HUNTING BEARS AND PANTHERS. 103 



with any intention of shooting, as my rifle had too large 

 a bore ; but I came upon a string of ducks, not more 

 than fifteen yards off. This was too enticing ; I raised 

 the gun, and off went the golden green head of the 

 largest of them. I reloaded, fished out my bird, and 

 was turning up the stream, when I heard Slowtrap's gun 

 above a mile off, and as I had no intention of walking 

 so far, I took my duck by the neck, and walked home. 

 W^^jras my home ? Wherever I happened to be 

 where I had erected a bark shed, or spread my blanket, 

 or lighted a fere, or where the hospitable roof of a farmer 

 or backwoodsman received me ; though the next morning 

 might find me with all my 'goods on my back no heavy 

 burden seeking new shooting ground, and new home. 

 "What then ? I went home and commenced mending my 

 old moc^Rns once more, though they were almost worn 

 out ; and as I had some tanned deer-skin, I cut out a 

 new pair, for the others would have never survived a 

 long march. 



HUNTINGBEARS AND PANTHERS, 



MEANTIME it grew dusk, continues Gerstaecker, and 

 Slowtrap returned with seven ducks, three of which had 

 had their heads shot off. Meat was now plentiful. 

 After S. had made himself comfortable, that is to say, 

 had taken off his hat, laid aside his rifle and pouch, 

 pulled off his wet shoes and stockings, taken unto him- 



