274 



Sierra Club Bulletin 



As we rode down the pass on our way to the Smoky River, 

 however, Donald pointed out a caribou far down in the valley 

 of Calumet Creek. 



''Ride on steadily without speaking," he said. ''We may be 

 able to get quite close." 



We were perhaps within an eighth of a mile when the cari- 

 bou first saw us. Instead of running, he wheeled about once 

 and stood looking at us as we rode forward. We had ap- 

 proached within a hundred yards before he showed any signs 

 of fear. Then he merely circled and came back to look again. 

 We got near enough to photograph him several times before he 

 decided we were dangerous and swung away into the woods. 

 He was a magnificent fellow, with glossy dark coat and great 

 spreading antlers. In response to our surprise at his coolness 

 Donald told us that he had killed one out of a herd the year 

 before and the rest had stood around to watch him skin it. 



That was my day to ride behind the caravan. Donald led 

 always, as the way was often obscure. One lady was privi- 

 ledged to ride behind him, free from care, while the other kept 

 the pack animals in motion. One of them, the Kid, reminded 

 me of an elderly lady I once knew, who under a very meek ex- 

 terior hid an iron determination to go her own way. Left to 

 his own devices, however, the Kid would never quite drop out 

 of sight, so I learned to let him follow at his own pace, and be- 

 hind old Roanie rode on unf retted, enjoying the new snow 

 peaks rising in every notch of the valley and the picturesque 

 maneuvers of our train. We followed an old Indian trail, 

 scarcely a trail at all, that forded the river about forty times 

 that day. 



As fresh tributaries were added the fords became more and 

 more disturbing. At lunch time Donald shook his head. 



"The river's mighty high," said he. "It's been rising for 

 two days. We may have to swim the horses below." 



"Can my horse swim and carry me too ?" I demanded in some 

 trepidation. 



"Oh, he can a little way," said Donald. "But if the cur- 

 rent's too swift you'd better hop off." 

 "Hop off !" said I. 



"Yes — just hang on to the pommel and he'll pull you 



