BIRCH BROWSINGS. i 8 9 



that I had seen the lake, that it was at the foot of the 

 mountain, and that we could not miss it if we kept 

 straight down from where we then were. 



My clothes were soaked with perspiration, but I 

 shouldered my knapsack with alacrity, and we began 

 the descent. I noticed that the woods were much 

 thicker, and had quite a different look from those I 

 had passed through, but thought nothing of it, as I 

 expected to strike the lake near its head, whereas I 

 had before come out at its foot. We had not gone far 

 when we crossed a line of marked trees, which my 

 companions were disposed to follow. It intersected 

 our course nearly at right angles, and kept along and 

 up the side of the mountain. My impression was that 

 it led up from the lake, and that by keeping our own 

 course we should reach the lake sooner than if we fol- 

 lowed this line. 



About half-way down the mountain, we could see 

 through the interstices the opposite slope. I encour- 

 aged my comrades by telling them that the lake was 

 between us and that, and not more than half a mile 

 distant. We soon reached the bottom, where we found 

 a small stream and quite an extensive alder-swamp, 

 evidently the ancient bed of a lake. I explained to 

 my half-vexed and half-incredulous companions that 

 we were probably above the lake, and that this stream 

 must lead to it. " Follow it," they said : " we will 

 wait here till we hear from you." 



So I went on, more than ever disposed to believe 



