114 /A^ LOWER FLORIDA fVILDS 



me and in an hour we distinguished a blur on the 

 water ahead which proved to be a launch and the 

 boys set up a cheer. When we came to it we 

 found to our disgust it wasn't ours. We aroused 

 the inmates, who were naturally a little peevish 

 at being disturbed in their sleep by so unpre- 

 possessing an outfit. So we began the search all 

 over again and at last — joyful sight! — our own 

 boat. Never before was sleep so sweet or better 

 earned. 



Why should an old man, past the age when 

 most persons seek adventure, leave a comfortable 

 home and plunge into the wilderness to endure 

 such hardships? What rewards can he receive 

 for it? I never return utterly worn out from such 

 a trip but that I vow it is the last. But in time 

 the hardships are forgotten and recollections of 

 the pleasant features only remain and I am ready 

 to start again. There is in all this a sort of fas- 

 cination not easy to explain — the relief that comes 

 from being away from all the restraints and arti- 

 ficialities of communal life — and then, the " call of 

 the wild." There is a wonderful inspiration in the 

 great out of doors. Everyone feels it, — some more, 

 some less. Personally I cannot resist the call and 



