80 CHIPMUNKS. 
it, shadow forth all one’s changing moods. They 
never look twice alike : each variation in the 
density of the atmosphere, each increase of light 
or shade, changes their aspect. The eye never 
tires of watching their variety, nor ceases, when 
it has learned to love them and has parted from* 
them, to hunger for their smiles and frowns. 
But Mrs. Maxwell’s time did not pass without 
its small excitements. The rocks and trees were 
frequented by a variety of different kinds of 
squirrels. One kind — four-striped chipmunks — 
were very numerous and cunning. They resem- 
ble the Eastern chipmunks, only they are much 
smaller and more sprightly. As an old miner 
remarked, “ Them critters are just lightnin’ on 
legs. You can’t look at one on ’em afore it’s 
gone, and while you’re trying to sense the fact, 
what d’ye see, but the same critter a cuttin’ 
round on another rock right afore your eyes, but 
a heap further off.” 
A few days after they went into camp, these 
little neighbors seemed to assemble for a picnic, 
council, or something of the kind, on a level spot 
among the rocks. They didn’t invite Mrs. Max- 
well to be present ; but, having her share of 
feminine curiosity, she crept near to see what 
they were about. They were simply scampering 
around, so she concluded to call them to order 
by firing a signal-gun. One discharge furnished 
