MILL CREEK. 219 



billfish that I saw were not bo disposed to gymnastics 

 as is often the case, and all remained very properly with 

 their backs to the sky ; but I have seen half a dozen at 

 once, in a school of perhaps twenty, swim in circles in 

 this reversed position, and less commonly in a nearly 

 direct line. It is, I believe, merely a peculiarity of their 

 own, when engaged in a game of romps. 



The sun has long since sunk beneath the horizon. 

 Even the topmost twigs of the tall liquidambars are no 

 longer gilded by the stray beams that struggled through 

 the sunset clouds. The gloaming has set in. The dark- 

 ened waters hide their treasures ; and it is fitting, after 

 so full a day, to be afield, and homeward bound, rather 

 than afloat. 



This may be true, but the truth is, I am always eager 

 to go to and never ready to leave, for the day, my little 

 boat, that for years has carried me safely so many miles 

 up and down the charming bends and winsome reaches 

 of Mechen-tschiholens-sipu. 



It was time to return home, yet I could not make up 

 my mind to start. Was there not yet something that I 

 could watch even by the gloaming's uncertain and stead- 

 ily waning light ? The full moon was rising, and there 

 was every prospect of a perfect night. At least for a 

 little longer I would remain. Had I not need of food 

 and sleep, to have sat quietly in my boat until the day 

 dawned would have been no hardship. Behind me, for 

 I was now on the main creek once more, rose the steep 

 bluff that forms the south bank of the stream, and the 

 shadows cast by the magnificent trees that covered it 



