136 THE LOG OF A TIMBER CRUISER 
came upon one unawares, before an effective warn- 
ing could be sounded. 
As an antidote in case of accident we carried a 
small vial of potassium permanganate in each com- 
pass case, so that we felt doubly safe. Indeed, 
our carelessness toward the last brought us into 
many a dangerous situation when only a quick, in- 
stinctive backward leap, a duck of the head, or an 
abrupt halt saved us from playing the part of pin- 
cushion to the fangs of a waiting enemy. 
