188 WILD SPORTS IN THE FAR WEST. 



nearer, so took steady aim and fired : lie gave a start 

 on one side, then fled in Avild haste through the tliick 

 jungle. I was now certain of him, so loaded quietly 

 and walked to the spot where he had been standing. 

 The snow was discolored with blood, and a broad 

 stripe of large dark red spots pointed out the path he 

 had taken. 



Being somewhat exhausted by the sharp pace, and 

 wishing to allow the poor beast to lie down in peace, I 

 seated myself on a fallen tree. After half an hour's 

 rest, I followed him again ; unfortunately he had made 

 for the river, to lave his burning wound in its cool 

 waves, and, having swum across, he was lying dead on 

 the snow, on the other side, in a pool of blood. 



Had I not been half starved, I should not have 

 thought of venturing into the cold water ; but necessity 

 would admit of no hesitation. I bound together some 

 logs of decayed wood, as floating lightest, laid on the 

 raft my rifle, zither, blanket, hunting-shirt, powder- 

 horn, gamebag, and shirt, and stepped into the icy- 

 cold water. I kept on my lower garments, as they 

 were already wet through from the small streams I had 

 waded in the course of the chase. I dipped my head 

 as soon as I could, and then swam across, pushing my 

 raft before me. 



Shivering with cold, I had some difficulty in making 

 a fire, on account of the deep snow which covered 

 every thing ; — but I managed it at last with the help 

 of my tomahawk ; dried myself, and having laid some 

 steaks on the fire, I devoured them ere they were well 

 warmed through. 



The exertion of the chase and the cold bath was too 



