188 HUNTING SPORTS OP THE WEST. 



me. I tried to light a fire, but my left arm was so 

 swelled that I gave up the attempt. But as it would have 

 been certain death to pass the night under these circum- 

 stances without a fire, I tore away part of the back of 

 my hunting shirt, the fore part being saturated with 

 blood, sprinkled some powder on it, rubbed it well in, all 

 with my right hand, shook a little powder into my rifle, 

 and placing the muzzle on the rag, I fired, when it began 

 to burn immediately. Blowing it up to a flame, I piled 

 on dry leaves, twigs, &c., and succeeded in making a 

 good fire, though with great pain and trouble. It was 

 now dark. I went to my dead comrade, who was lying 

 about five yards from the fire. He was already stiff, and 

 it was with great difficulty that I could pull down his 

 arms and lay him straight ; nor could I keep his eyes 

 closed, though I laid small stones on him. 



The dogs were very hungry, but as it was impossible 

 for me to break up the bear, I only ripped him up, and 

 fed them with his entrails. Bearsgrease laid himself 

 down by the corpse, looking steadfastly in its face, and 

 went no more near the bear. In the hope of obtaining 

 help, I loaded and fired twice, but nothing moved : the 

 forest appeared one enormous grave. 



I felt very ill, vomited several times, and my shoulder 

 was excessively painful. Winding my blanket round me 

 as well as I could, I laid myself down beside the fire, and 

 lost all consciousness of my wretched situation ; whether 

 I slept or fainted is more than I can tell, but I know that 

 I dreamed I was at home, in bed, and my mother brought 

 me some tea and laid her hand on my breast ; I heard 

 the children in the street making a noise, and saw the 



