A HUNTER'S CAMP-FIRES 



audience. We had no food, and nothing to melt snow in for 

 drinking purposes, but managed to get a certain amount of 

 chilly enjoyment from watching the moonlight on the cliffs on 

 the opposite side of the caiion until toward dawn, when a cold, 

 drizzling rain started. After it became light enough to see 

 distinctly, we collected the various heads and hides of the goats, 

 and, staggering under heavy, wet, and odorous packs, started 

 down through the dripping woods tow^ard camp. 



It was about one o'clock when we stepped out on the beach 

 in the cove where the tent was pitched. Down by the shores of 

 the lake everything was different from the rain and desolation 

 of the upper slopes of Stikem Creek. The sun shone brightly 

 on sparkling blue water, horse-bells tinkled cheerily, and blue 

 smoke arose lazily from the fire, over w^hich the cook w^as pre- 

 paring a savory meal for us. After finishing this, we rolled up 

 in our blankets and slept until we were called for breakfast the 

 next morning. That day w^e packed the horses, and started 

 down the shores of the lake and the Smallumaheen toward 

 civilization. 



