ould find a series of lakes running almost parallel with the river,
and lying between the river and the Big Hill trail.

Tradition said that this stream and series of lakes had at one time
been an Indian portage route around the Great Falls of the Grand
River, but for many years it had been generally avoided by Indians
because of its proximity to the falls, which were supposed to be the
abode of evil spirits, a superstition doubtless arising from the fact
that Indian canoes may have been caught in the current above the falls
and carried to destruction below; and because of the impression and
awful aspect of the falls themselves, whose thunderous roar may be
heard for many miles, echoing through the solitudes.

From the fact that this region had but rarely been traversed, and had
certainly not been hunted by Indians for many generations, and that
the animals within the considerable territory which it embraced had
therefore been permitted to increase undisturbed by man, Bob argued
that it must of necessity prove a rich trapping ground for the first
who ventured to invade it. It was here, then, that he purposed
establishing his first trapping trail.

The first step to be taken was to make a survey of the region, and
with a quantity of steel traps, a limited supply of provisions, and
Shad's light tent, the two young adventurers set forward in the canoe
upon their scouting journey within the hour after Sishetakushin and
Mookoomahn had left them.

A long portage and the ascent of a stream for several miles carried
them that evening to the first of the series of lakes, where Bob's
trained eye soon discovered unquestionable signs of an abundance of
fur-bearing animals, sustaining his hope that the ground would be
found virgin and profitable territory.

Their camp was pitched by the lake shore. At their back lay the dark
forest, before them spread the shimmering lake, and to the westward a
high hill lifted its barren peak of weather-beaten, storm-scoured
rocks.

The atmosphere became cool as evening approached, and when supper was
disposed of the fire was renewed, and, weary with their day's work,
they reclined before its genial blaze to watch the sun go down in an
effulgence of glory and colour.

Neither spoke until the colours were well-nigh faded, and the first
stars twinkled faintly above.

"The most glorious sunset I ever beheld," remarked Shad finally,
breaking the silence.

"'Twere fine!" admitted Bob. "We see