precipice, with a gorge so deep on
one side that the bottom was invisible, and the mountain rising on the
other apparently lost in the skies, we worked our way on until, after
descending again for some distance, we reached more level ground. It was
a large valley or plateau surrounded by mountains; those we had crossed
being on the one side, while a still more elevated range occupied the
other. Wild as was the scenery through which we had passed, this was
wilder still. It was traversed, however, by the stream whose course we
had followed, and although we were unable to see its source, there could
be no doubt that it descended from the lofty range before us. A portion
of the plateau was covered by a forest, nourished by numerous rivulets,
most of which flowed into larger streams, although some found an outlet
towards the southward. No signs of inhabitants were visible; but game of
every kind was most abundant, herds of deer, mountain sheep, and birds
of all descriptions.

"I am not the man to propose going back," said Uncle Jeff; "but unless
we can find an opening in these rocks, it is very clear that our present
party cannot go forward. I propose, therefore, that we should camp here
until we have explored the country ahead, after which we shall be able
to form our plans."

He looked towards Clarice as he spoke. He had resolved not to expose her
to the fatigue and peril which his experience told him must inevitably
be endured by those attempting to make their way through so wild a
region as that before us. He therefore selected a suitable spot for
camping. Clarice's tent was put up, and we cut down poles and boughs
with which to form a couple of small huts for ourselves. Uncle Jeff,
Manley, and I had one, and the two men the other.

While the sergeant and Pat were employed in erecting the huts, the rest
of us took our rifles and started in search of game, and before long we
caught sight, towards the northern end of the valley, of several elk or
moose feeding near a wood. It was necessary to approach them
cautiously, however, for should they take the alarm they would be off at
a rate which would give us little chance of overtaking them. But the
wind came from them to us, and this was to our advantage.

The elk is one of the most wary of the deer tribe, and, notwithstanding
his enormous horns, he can pass through a thick forest, as he throws
them back on his shoulders so as in no way to impede his progress. Large
as w