198 RIVER LIFE. 



"We had traveled with burdens on our backs twenty-five miles 

 — crossed several streams — climbed rough hills — walked on rocky- 

 places — tumbled over huge trunks of fallen trees — crowded 

 through plenty of jungle — waded the Avalanche Brook — and all 

 this in forbidding weather ; but, aside from the glorious view on 

 the summit of Ktaadn, our toil found its recompense in the nov- 

 elty and influence of a Sabbath observance on such an elevation, 

 and amid the wild scenes and solitudes of a mountain forest. 



" Scarcity of food, and the engagements of some of the party, 

 made it necessary on Monday morning to start for home. We 

 left the camp about half past nine, following down the brook to 

 the point from whence we ascended, and then direct to the lake. 



" 'At this time,' says our guide, ' we fell into much confusion 

 on account of two of the company who were missing, the gunner 

 and Mr. Meservey, for whom we made search, but in vain. Few 

 can imagine our feelings save those who have heard the cry of 

 lost coming up from the deep gloom of the wilderness in the na- 

 tive tone of some wanderer calling for help. After consultation, 

 it was resolved that we must leave the ground for home, hoping 

 for the best. We left at one, and came to the lake at four P.M., 

 and here, to our great joy, we saw a smoke on the opposite side, 

 near the outlet, and at five rejoined our missing companions. 

 They had caught trout enough for us all, weighing from one to 

 three pounds. With these, and cranberry-sauce in plenty, also 

 bread, pork, and tea, we made merry around a cheerful fire. 

 That night, however, a storm of rain coming up, found us poorly 

 prepared.' 



" In this connection an incident may be related. Just before 

 our arrival, while the gunner was fishing, suddenly two moose 

 bounded furiously into the lake, and appeared to be swimming to- 

 ward him. Though all along desirous of an interview, their visit 

 was rather too startling. He scampered with all haste to the 

 shore, seized his gun and fired, but the balls would not go through 



