54 WILD BROTHER 
the north of Gordon’s camp had been burned out. 
We were advised to keep away from this section 
until the drought was broken ; but I could not think 
of going back without the bear — and so we de- 
cided to make one more trip in to the lumber- 
camp. 
On this calm June morning not a leaf was stirr- 
ing in the tree-tops. If there had been any breeze, 
it would have been unwise to start. The roads 
were now dried out, and we could take the regular 
highway to a point within four miles of the camp. 
To be sure, this was considerably longer than the 
winter trail, but we could cover the distance in 
much less time and with far greater comfort. 
With a fine pair of horses hitched to a rough 
lumber wagon, we rattled over the ground at a good 
rate of speed. A little before noon we left the regu- 
lar road and drew into the woods, where the smoke 
was thick and its pungent odor more oppressive. 
No city teamster would have thought it possible to 
move a wagon over that rough logging trail, but 
our backwoods horses knew their business, and 
they jerked along over rocks and down into gullies 
at a brisk walk. Only by great care were we able 
to stay in the wagon. Finally I gave up; it was 
much easier and more comfortable to walk. Com- 
rade, however, stuck to the wagon. With a broad 
strap we tied her in, and for the balance of the 
