wanted--the dry knots of the pitch-pine-tree.

"A large segment of birch-bark was then sought for and obtained, and our
implements were complete.

"At twilight all was ready, and stepping into our dug-out, we paddled
silently down stream.

"As soon as we had got out of the neighbourhood of the post, we lighted
our torch. This was placed in a large frying-pan out upon the bow, and
was in reality rather a fire of pine-knots than a torch. It blazed up
brightly, throwing a glare over the surface of the stream, and
reflecting in red light every object upon both banks. We, on the other
hand, were completely hidden from view by means of the birch-bark
screen, which stood up between us and the torch.

"As soon as we were fairly under way, I yielded up the paddle to Dick,
who now assigned to himself the double office of guiding the dug-out and
keeping the torch trimmed. I was to look to the shooting; so, placing
my trusty rifle across my thighs, I sat alternately scanning both banks
as we glided along.

"I shall never forget the romantic effect which was produced upon my
mind during that wild excursion. The scenery of the river upon which we
had launched our craft was at all times of a picturesque character:
under the blaze of the pine-wood--its trees and rocks tinted with a
reddish hue, while the rippling flood below ran like molten gold--the
effect was heightened to a degree of sublimity which could not have
failed to impress the dullest imagination. It was the autumn season,
too, and the foliage, which had not yet commenced falling, had assumed
those rich varied tints so characteristic of the American _sylva_--
various hues of green and golden, and yellow and deep red were exhibited
upon the luxuriant frondage that lined the banks of the stream, and here
and there drooped like embroidered curtains down to the water's edge.
It was a scene of that wild beauty, that picturesque sublimity, which
carries one to the contemplation of its Creator.

"`Yonder!' muttered a voice, that roused me from my reverie. It was
Dick who spoke; and in the dark shadow of the birch-bark I could see one
of his arms extended, and pointing to the right bank.

"My eyes followed the direction indicated; they soon rested upon two
small objects, that from the darker background of the foliage appeared
bright and luminous. These objects were round, and close to each other;
and at a glance I knew them to be the eyes of some animal, reflecting