per
wanted to go out and get a deer. He said he could get one in an hour
without the least trouble, as he would only have to go over the hill and
shoot one. The huntsman was as highly pleased to have some one to talk
to as Paul was and wanted him to remain on the boat for a few days; but
the necessity for haste was too pressing, and Paul could spare but an
hour.

According to program, that was the regular camping night. Heavy clouds
began rolling up before sundown. The high, caving banks on either side
were dangerous to approach, as the least touch of the treacherous soil
might loosen an avalanche that would bury him. Seeing no suitable place
to land, he pulled ahead extemporizing songs to cheer himself into the
belief that he was not tired. His idea was to run until nearly morning
when the chances of finding a suitable place to rest would be more
favorable. After nightfall as he was moving rapidly along, singing at
the top of his voice, the glow of a fire ahead claimed his attention and
stilled his vocal efforts. He was debating whether friend or foe was
nears when a gruff voice called from the bank:

"Hello, there. Who are you?"

"Hello; I'm Paul Boyton. Who are you?"

"Pull in, pull in."

"Can't see where you are."

"Come just around this point, you can get in all right."

Paul pulled around as directed and saw the fire plainly. Three or four
men approached the bank, heavily armed and carrying torches made of
knots. He heard a whispered conversation, betraying astonishment at his
appearance; but he was greeted kindly and invited to the camp. Nearing
the fire through the woods, his nostrils were assailed by a horrible
smell which one of the men explained by saying he had just shot a
skunk. There were eighteen in the party, comfortably fixed with two good
sized tents and an abundance of buffalo robes. After he had removed his
suit the cook prepared an excellent meal and urged him to eat heartily
which he was not loth to do. They also had a large supply of liquor, but
he refused to touch it and they did not insist. Refreshed by the warm
meal, he lit his pipe and began to talk. He told the men his object
in making voyages and described some of the rivers he had navigated.
When he told about crossing the English Channel, one of them jumped
up, exclaiming:

"Great snakes! I know you now. I've just been tryin' to place you. Why,
I read all about you in an almanac."

"W