394 WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



he ran miles to put me in the right path. If it rained 

 and I sheltered in a cabin, the hearth was swept, the 

 driest log placed upon the fire, and the bed-covering 

 taken off to keep my saddle from the shower. If possible, 

 my wishes were anticipated — and labour was unheeded 

 when my pleasure or comfort could be attained. 



One incident I must mention, for it marks the 

 character of this simple and devoted peasantry. It 

 was the hottest of the dog-days, and we had toiled 

 over a barren moor, and missed some packs that we 

 were aware were in that neighbourhood. A hill of 

 most discouraging altitude was before us — and as its 

 face was difficult beyond description, I hesitated to 

 attempt it. But beyond it was a land of promise — 

 a valley where wonders might be expected — and malgrd 

 fatigue, I did muster courage for the ascent. I gave 

 my gun to a young peasant who acted as my henchman, 

 and, as he was already loaded heavily, I observed him 

 stagger more than once before we gained the summit. 

 Throughout the day he never left my side — when the 

 river was forded, he led the way — and yet I observed 

 that he was unusually flushed, and at times sighed heavily. 

 When we reached the cabin, he tottered to a seat, and 

 the next moment became insensible. Then, and not 

 till then, the truth was disclosed . he had been attacked 

 with measles on the preceding night ; but rather than 

 surrender his post to another, he actually, and under 

 the fever of the disease, worked for twelve hours 

 beneath a burning sun. Old Antony, by some simple 

 means, brought the eruption plentifully to the skin, 

 and in another week my gallant henchman was at my 

 side, without any apparent trace of lassitude. 



I have left these mountains, and never shall 1 enjoy 



