34: AMERICAN GAME. 



the Hid. "We crossed Cariboo tracks at every step, but 

 still the Indian proceeded, his quick eye glancing at 

 every trail. After about an hour's walk, we found our- 

 selves ascending a steep mountain. Here the Indian 

 came to a halt : in a low tone he told us that we were 

 now near the Cariboo ground, this being the warm side 

 of the hill, and good feeding ground ; cautioning us to be 

 quiet, we again advanced, but had not gone far before 

 we came to a trail that the Indian said was only made 

 last night. Sabaiisie chose the outside track of the herd, 

 to take the wind which, having followed about three 

 miles, brought us to where the Cariboo had rested during 

 the night. Tom placed his hand on the damp snow, and 

 remarked that the Cariboo had not been up much before 

 us, and could not be far off. 



" Rifles w r ere now examined, and fresh caps put on 

 Billy secured by a cord to Howard's belt. The tracks 

 from the resting-place of the Cariboo branched off in 

 every direction ; and the Indian leaving us, took a cast 

 round, some distance, and having ascertained the direc- 

 tion the herd had taken, he returned, and we cautiously 

 followed him. I now perceived that at the bottom of 

 the tracks the snow was a deep blue, and quite soft ; we 

 were therefore quite near the game. Sabatisie halted 

 and took off his snow-shoes that he might proceed with 

 less noise. Howard beckoned me to him, and in a low 

 whisper said ' Do exactly as you see me do follow 



