,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,indians ,,w\ld      
,,rise ,,to ,,_! ,,feet ,,= ,a ,,s+le   
,,mom5t  ,,! ,,=e/  ,,by  ,,/ew>t       
,,edw>d ,,:ite    ,,cont5ts   ,i4       
,,! ,,call+ ,,ii4    ,,! ,,sci5ce ,,(   
,,go+ ,,light ,,iii4   ,,! ,,jump+-,,(f 
,,place ,,iv4    ,,on ,,mak+ ,,camp ,v4 
,,on ,,ly+ ,,awake ,,at ,,night ,,vi4   
,,! ',,lunge ,,vii4   ,,on ,,op5-,,wat] 
,,canoe ,,travell+ ,,viii4  ,,! ,,/r&$  
,,/rang]s ,,ix4    ,,on ,,flies ,x4     
,,clo*e ,,xi4    ,,! ,,habitants ,,xii4 
,,! ,,riv] ,,xiii4  ,,! ,,hills ,,xiv4  
,,on ,,walk+ ,,?r\gh ,,! ,,woods ,,xv4  
,,on ,,woods ,,indians ,,xvi4   ,,on    
,,woods ,,indians 7cont9u$7 ,,xvii4  ,,!
 ,,cat*+ ,,( ,a ,,c]ta9 ,,fi% ,,xviii4  
,,man ,,:o ,,walks ,,by ,,moonlight     
,,xix4   ,,apologia  ,,sugge/ions ,,=   
,,outfit     ,,li/ ,,( ,,illu/rations   
,,! ,,indians ,,w\ld ,,rise ,,to ,,_!   
,,feet ,,= ,a ,,s+le ,,mom5t  ,,?is     
,,old ,,soldi] ,,_h ,,come ,,9 ,,f ,,!  
,,long ,,trail ,,to ,,be> ,,aga9 ,,!    
,,flag ,,( ,,8 ,,c\ntry  ,,at ,,su* ,a  

,,"t ,,y ,,w ,,meet ,,) ,,adv5tures     
,,ea* ,,wave ,,0 ,,s+ly ,a ,,problem1   
,,to ,,fail ,,9 ,,^: ,,solution ,,meant 
,,in/ant ,,swamp+  ,,wat*$ ,,! ,,long   
,,nor?-,,c\ntry ,,twilight ,,/eal ,,up  
,,l ,a ,,gray ,,cl\d ,,f ,,! ,,ea/  ,,9 
,,?is ,,lovable ,,my/]y ,,we ,,j\rney$  
,,all ,,! ,,re/ ,,( ,,t ,,morn+  ,,nor  
,,ne$ ,,y ,,hope ,,to ,,pole ,a ,,canoe 
,,up/ream ,,z ,,d ,,^! ,,p  ,,!n ,,9 ,,!
 ,,twilight ,,! ,,battle      ,,! ,,=e/ 
,i4  ,,! ,,call+4  ,! ,r$ ,gods make _! 
m$ic9e aga94   ,"s "t 9 ,febru>y1 :5 !  
sn[ & sleet h %ut out f ! we>i$ m9d ev5 
! memory ( spr+1 ! man ( ! woods g5]ally
 receives 8 fir/ inspiration4 ,he may   
cat* x f "s companion's *ance rem>k1 a  
glance at ! map1 a vague recollection ( 
a dim pa/ conv]sation1 or x may fla% on 
him f ! m]e pron\ncem5t ( a "n4 ,! fir/ 
fa9t ?rill ( discov]y leaves him cool1 b
 gradually1 ) ! increas+ en?usiasm (    
cogitation1 ! idea ga9s body1 until     
f9ally x has gr[n to plan fit =         
discussion4  ,( ^! _m quick5+ pot5cies (

 inspiration1 ! m]e "n ( a place seems  
to /rike deepe/ at ! he>t ( romance4    
,col\r1 my/]y1 ! va/nesses ( unexplor$  
space are !re1 symboliz$ compactly = !  
alim5t ( imag9ation4 ,x lures ! fancy z 
a fly lures ! tr\t4 ,mattgami1 ,peace   
,riv]1 ,knanaw1 ! ,h\se ( ! ,t\*wood    
,hills1 ,rup]t's ,h\se1 ! ,l& ( ,little 
,/icks1 ,fly+ ,po/1 ,conjuror's         
,h\se--h[ ! syllables roll f ! tongue1  
:at pictures rise 9 in/ant response to  
_! sugge/ion6 ,! j\rney ( a ?\s& miles  
seems n too great a price to pay = !    
sight ( a place call$ ! ,hills (        
,sil5ce1 = acqua9tance ) ! p :o dwell   
!re1 p]haps = a glimpse ( ! saga-_s t s 
nam$ its environm5t4 ,on ! o!r h&1 "o   
w\ld feel b little desire to visit      
,mugg9's ,corn]s1 ev5 ?\gh at _! cross+ 
"o 7 assur$ ( ! deepe/ flav\r ( ! ,f>   
,nor?4  ,! fir/ response to ! r$ god's  
summons is almo/ inv>iably ! production 
( a fly-book & ! complete re>rangem5t ( 
all its cont5ts4 ,! next is a resumption
 ( practice ) ! little pi/ol4 ,! ?ird1 &

 la/1 is p5cil & pap]1 & li/s ( grub &  
duffel1 & e/imates ( r\tes & exp5ses1 & 
correspond5ce ) m5 :o spell que]ly1 be> 
d[n heavily ) blunt p5cils1 & agree to  
be at ,black ,beav] ,portage on a c]ta9 
date4 ,n[1 ?\gh ! ,febru>y sn[ & sleet  
/ill %ut him 91 ! spr+ has draw v ne>4  
,he c feel ! w>m? ( h] brea? ru/l+ ?r\gh
 8 reviv+ memories4  ,!re are said to be
 sixty-eight roads to heav51 ( :i* b "o 
is ! true way1 al?\gh "h & !re a by-pa? 
(f]s exp]im5tal v>iety to ! re/less &   
bold4 ,! true way = ! man 9 ! woods to  
atta9 ! elusive be/ ( 8 wild]ness       
exp]i5ce is to g z light z possible1 & !
 by-pa?s ( dep>ture f t pr9ciple lead   
only to ! slightly increas$ c>ry+       
possibilities ( op5-wat] canoe trips1 & 
p]man5t camps4  ,b ^! prove to be n v   
indep5d5t side pa?s1 nev] div]g+ s f> f 
! ma9 road t "o may d>e hope to conceal 
f a vigilant eye t he is n go+ light4   
,to g light is to play ! game fairly4 ,!
 man 9 ! woods mat*es himself aga9/ !   
=ces ( nature4 ,9 ! t[ns he is w>m$ & f$

 & clo!d s spontane\sly & easily t aft] 
a "t he p]=ce beg9s to d\bt himself1 to 
wond] :e!r 8 p[]s are n atrophi$ f      
disuse4 ,& s1 ) 8 nak$ s\l1 he fronts ! 
wild]ness4 ,x is a te/1 a measur+ (     
/r5g?1 a prov+ ( 8 ess5tial pluck &     
res\rcefulness & manhood1 an assurance (
 man's highe/ pot5cy1 ! ability to      
endure & to take c>e ( himself4 ,9 j s  
f> z he sub/itutes ! ready-made (       
civilization = ! wit-made ( ! =e/1 !    
pneumatic b$ = ! balsam b\ghs1 9 j s f> 
is he rely+ on o!r m5 & o!r m5's lab\r  
to take c>e ( him4 ,to exactly t ext5t  
is ! te/ invalidat$4 ,he has n prov$ a  
c\rte\s antagoni/1 = he has n /ripp$ to 
! conte/4  ,to g light is to play ! game
 s5sibly4 ,= ev5 :5 x is n s e>ne/1 nor 
! /ake s high1 a c]ta9 common-s5se %\ld 
take ! place on a l[] plane ( !         
fair-play s5se on ! high]4 ,a great _m p
 f9d enjoym5t 9 m]ely play+ ) nature4   
,?r\gh vacation !y relax _! m9ds1       
ex]cise mildly _! bodies1 & fre%5 !     
col\rs ( _! outlook on life4 ,su* p l to

 live com=tably1 "w little1 & enjoy     
exi/5ce lazily4 ,in/ead ( modify+       
!mselves to fit ! life ( ! wild]ness1 !y
 modify _! city me?ods to fit op5-air   
conditions4 ,!y d n ne$ to /rip to !    
conte/1 = conte/ !re is none1 & ,indian 
pack]s are *eap at a doll> a day4 ,b ev5
 s ! problem ( ! greate/ com=t--def9+   
com=t z an accurate balance ( ef=t      
exp5d$ to results obta9$--c be solv$    
only by ! "o =mula4 ,& t =mula is1 aga91
 g light1 = a sup]abundance (           
p>aph]nalia proves always m ( a c>e ?an 
a satisfaction4 ,:5 ! woods (f] y a ?+  
ready made1 x is ! m]e/ fooli%ness to   
transport t same ?+ a hundr$ miles = !  
sake ( ! manufactur]'s tradem>k4  ,i    
once met an outfit 9 ! ,nor? ,woods1    
plodd+ dilig5tly across portage1 lad5 l 
! camels ( ! des]t4 ,?ree ,indians sw>m$
 back & =? a half-doz5 trips apiece4 ,an
 ,indian c c>ry ov] two hundr$ p\nds4 ,t
 ev5+ a half-bre$ & ,i visit$ _! camp & 
exam9$ _! outfit1 always ) gr[+ wond]4  
,!y _h t5t-poles & ab\t fifty p\nds (   

h>dwood t5t pegs--9 a wood$ c\ntry :]e  
su* ?+s c be _h = a clip ( ! axe4 ,!y _h
 a sy/em ( r+$ iron b>s :i* c\ld be s   
fitt$ toge!r z to =m a l[ op5 grill on  
:i* tr\t c\ld be broil$--weight tw5ty   
p\nds1 & split wood necess>y = its      
effici5cy4 ,!y _h air mattresses &      
camp-*airs & oil lant]ns4 ,!y _h        
corpul5t duffel bags apiece t w\ld /&   
alone1 & en\gh *anges ( clo!s to la/ out
 dry-sk9n$ a week's ra94 ,& ! lead] ( ! 
p>ty wore ! wr9kl$ br[ ( tribulation4 ,=
 he _h to keep track ( ev]y?+ & see t   
package numb] tw5ty-eight 0 n left1 & t 
package numb] sixte5 did n get wet2 t ! 
pneumatic b$ did n get punctur$1 & t !  
cann$ goods did4 ,beside :i*1 ! c>avan 0
 mov+ at ! maje/ic rate ( ab\t five     
miles a day4  ,n[ t5t-pegs c always be  
cut1 & tr\t broil$ beautifully by a doz5
 o!r ways1 & c&le lant]ns fold up1 &    
balsam c be laid 9 su* a mann] z to be z
 spr+y z a pneumatic mattress1 &        
camp-*airs1 if desir$1 c be quickly     
con/ruct$ ) an axe1 & clo!s c always be 

wa%$ or dri$ z long z fire burns & wat] 
runs1 & any "o ( fifty o!r items (      
labori\s burd5 c\ld h be5 +5i\sly &     
quickly sub/itut$ by any "o ( !         
,indians4 ,x 0 n t we conceal$ a bucolic
 scorn ( effete b solid com=t2 only x   
did seem ridicul\s t a man %\ld cumb]   
himself ) a fif? :eel on a smoo?ly      
macadamiz$ road4  ,! next morn+ ,billy &
 ,i w5t *e]fully on our way4 ,we 7 c>ry+
 an axe1 a gun1 blankets1 an extra pair 
( draw]s & socks apiece1 a little grub1 
& an eight-p\nd %elt] t5t4 ,we _h be5   
out a week1 & we 7 hav+ a good "t4      
,,ii4  ,,! ,,sci5ce ,,( ,,go+ ,,light4  
,n[ ! ,f\r-,way lodge is op5$--n[ !     
smokes ( ,c\ncil rise-- ,pleasant smokes
 ere yet 'twixt trail & trail !y *oose4 
,y c no m be told h[ to g light ?an y c 
be told h[ to hit a ball ) a bat4 ,x is 
some?+ t mu/ be liv$ ?r\gh1 & all advice
 on ! subject has j ab\t ! value ( an   
answ] to a ba%ful "y man :o begg$ f "o (
 our woman's p]iodicals help 9 ov]com+ !
 diffid5ce felt on ent]+ a cr[d$ room4  

,! reply read3 ,cultivate an easy1      
graceful mann]4 ,9 l case ,i might      
hypo!cate1 ,to g light1 disc>d all b !  
really necess>y articles4  ,!           
/ick+-po9t1 7 y to press me close1 w\ld 
be ! def9ition ( ! ^w necess>y1 = ! t]ms
 ( su* def9ition w\ld h to be ^? solely 
& simply ( a man's exp]i5ce4 ,com=ts1   
ev5 mo/ desirable com=ts1 are n         
necessities4 ,a doz5 times a day trifl+ 
em]g5cies w seem precisely to call = "s 
little h&y contrivance t w\ld be j ! ?+1
 7 x 9 ! pack r ?an at home4 ,a disgorg]
 does ! bus9ess bett] ?an a             
pocket-knife2 a pair ( oilsk9 tr\s]s    
turns ! wet bett] ?an does k]sey2 a     
camp-/ove w burn m]rily 9 a ra9 lively  
en\gh to dr[n an op5 fire4 ,yet nei!r   
disgorg]1 nor oilsk9s1 nor camp-/ove c  
be consid]$ 9 ! light ( necessities1 = !
 simple reason t ! conditions ( _! use  
occur too infrequ5tly to comp5sate = !  
pa9s ( _! c>riage4 ,or1 to put x ! o!r  
way1 a few mom5ts' "w ) a knife1 wet    
knees occasionally1 or an infrequ5t     

soggy meal are n too great a price to   
pay = unburd5$ %\ld]s4  ,nor on ! o!r h&
 mu/ y conclude t because a ?+ is a m]e 
luxury 9 t[n1 x is no?+ b t 9 ! woods4  
,mo/ woodsm5 own "s little ridicul\s    
item ( outfit )\t :i* !y c\ld n be      
happy4 ,& :5 a man _c be happy lack+ a  
?+1 t ?+ becomes a necessity4 ,i knew "o
 :o nev] /irr$ )\t borat$ talcum p[d]2  
ano!r :o mu/ h 8 m\?-organ2 a ?ird :o 0 
mis]able )\t a small bottle ( salad     
dress+2 ,i confess to a pair ( light    
bucksk9 gloves4 ,ea* man mu/ decide =   
himself--rememb]+ always ! endurance    
limit ( human %\ld]s4  ,a necessity is t
 :i*1 by y\r own exp]i5ce1 y h f\nd y _c
 d )\t4 ,z a bit ( practical advice1    
h[ev]1 ! foll[+ sy/em ( elim9ation may  
be recomm5d$4 ,:5 y return f a trip1    
turn y\r duffel bag upside d[n on !     
floor4 ,( ! cont5ts make ?ree           
piles--?ree piles consci5ti\sly select$ 
9 ! light ( :at has happ5$ r ?an :at    
ought to h happ5$1 or :at might h       
happ5$4 ,x is difficult to d ?is4       

,preconceiv$ notions1 habits (          
civilization1 !ory = future1 imag9ation1
 all /& 9 ! eye ( y\r hone/y4 ,pile     
numb] "o %\ld comprise ^? articles y h  
us$ e day2 pile numb] two1 ^? y h us$   
occasionally2 pile numb] ?ree1 ^? y h n 
us$ at all4 ,if y are resolute &        
s+lem9d$1 y w at once disc>d ! latt]    
two4  ,?r\gh\t ! foll[+ w9t] y w be     
attack$ by misgiv+s4 ,to be sure1 y wore
 ! mosquito hat b once or twice1 & !    
f\r? pair ( socks n at all2 b !n !      
mosquitoes might be ?ick] next "t1 & a  
s]ies ( ra9y days & cold nights might   
make x desirable to h a dry pair ( socks
 to put on at night4 ,! pa/ has be5 x1 b
 ! future might be y4 ,"o by "o !       
disc>d$ creep back into ! li/4 ,& by !  
op5+ ( next season y h made t[>d        
p]fection by only ! little space ( a    
mack9to% coat & a t5-gauge gun4  ,b 9 ! 
ye>s to come y le>n bett] & bett] !     
simple woods lesson ( sub/itution or do+
 )\t4 ,y f9d t discom=t is z soon =gott5
 z pa92 t almo/ any?+ c be endur$ if x  

is b = ! "t be+2 t absolute physical    
com=t is wor? b a v small price 9       
avoirdupois4 ,y\r pack %r9ks4  ,9 fact1 
x really nev] ceases %r9k+4 ,only la/   
summ] taught me ! uselessness ( an extra
 pair ( tr\s]s4 ,x ra9s 9 ! woods2      
/reams are to be wad$2 ! wetness (      
leaves is great] ?an ! wetness ( _m     
riv]s4 ,logically1 naturally1           
inevitably1 su* conditions po9t to *ange
 ( g>m5ts :5 camp is made4 ,we always   
*ange our clo!s :5 we get wet 9 ! city4 
,s = ye>s ,i c>ri$ ^? extra ne!r        
g>m5ts--& cont9u$ 9 ! natural exposure  
to sun & w9d & camp-fire to dry (f be=e 
*ange "t1 or to hang ! damp clo!s f !   
ridge-pole = resumption 9 ! morn+4 ,& !n
 "o day ! web ( t p>ticul> conv5tion    
broke4 ,we *ange wet tr\s]s 9 ! t[n2 we 
d n 9 ! woods4 ,! extras 7 relegat$ to  
pile numb] ?ree1 & my pack1 already     
app>5tly d[n to a m9imum1 lo/ a few     
p\nds m4  ,y w want a hat1 a good hat to
 turn ra91 ) a m$ium brim4 ,if y are    
wise1 y w get x too small = y\r head1 & 

rip out ! l9+4 ,! felt w cl+ t5aci\sly  
to y\r hair1 s t y w f9d ! snat*es ( !  
bru% & ! w9d g5]ally unavail+4  ,by way 
( und]g>m5ts we> wooll54 ,buy w9t]      
weights ev5 = midsumm]4 ,9 travell+ ) a 
pack a man is go+ to sweat 9 /reams1 no 
matt] :at he puts on or takes (f1 & !   
?ick g>m5t w be f\nd no m oppressive ?an
 ! ?94 ,& !n 9 ! cool ( ! woods or ( !  
ev5+ he avoids a *ill4 ,& he c plunge   
into ! colde/ wat] ) impunity1 sure t t5
 m9utes ( ! air w dry him fairly well4  
,until y h %iv]$ 9 clammy cotton1 y _c  
realize ! importance ( ?is po9t4 ,t5    
m9utes ( cotton und]we> 9 cold wat] w   
*ill4 ,on ! o!r h&1 suitably clo!d 9    
wool1 ,i h wad$ ! ice wat] ( nor? c\ntry
 /reams :5 ! !rmomet] 0 s l[ ,i c\ld see
 my brea? 9 ! air1 )\t o!r discom=t ?an 
a cold r+ ar\nd my legs to m>k ! surface
 ( ! wat]1 & a slight numbness 9 my feet
 :5 ,i em]g$4 ,!re=e1 ev5 9 hot wea!r1  
we> heavy wool4 ,x is ! mo/ com=table4  
,und\bt$ly y w come to believe ?is only 
by exp]i5ce4  ,d n c>ry a coat4 ,?is is 

ano!r preconception ( civilization1     
exce$+ly difficult to get rid (4 ,y w   
nev] we> x :ile pack+4 ,9 a ra9 y w f9d 
t x wets ?r\gh s promptly z to be (     
little use2 or1 if wat]pro(1 ! inside   
cond5sation w m ?an equal ! ra9-wat]4 ,9
 camp y w disc>d x because x w imp$e !  
sw+ ( y\r arms4 ,! end ( t coat w be a  
brief half-h\r aft] supp]1 & a make%ift 
roll to s]ve z a pill[ dur+ ! night4 ,& 
= ^! a sweat] is bett] 9 e way4  ,9     
fact1 if y feel y mu/ possess ano!r     
outside g>m5t1 let x be an extra sweat]4
 ,y c sleep 9 x1 use x :5 y\r day g>m5t 
is soak$1 or ev5 tie ?+s 9 x z 9 a bag4 
,x is n necess>y1 h[ev]4  ,"o good %irt 
is en\gh4 ,:5 y wa% x1 sub/itute !      
sweat] until x dries4 ,9 fact1 by keep+ 
! sweat] always 9 y\r wat]pro( bag1 y   
possess a dry g>m5t to *ange into4 ,two 
h&k]*iefs are en\gh4 ,"o %\ld be ( silk1
 = neck1 head1 or--9 case ( cramps or   
int5se cold--! /oma*2 ! o!r ( col\r$    
cotton = ! pocket4 ,bo? c be quickly    
wa%$1 & dri$ en r\te4 ,?ree pairs (     

heavy wool socks w be en\gh--"o = we>1  
"o = night1 & "o = extra4 ,a second pair
 ( draw]s supplem5ts ! sweat] :5 a      
tempor>y day *ange is desirable4 ,heavy 
k]sey driv]'s tr\s]s are ! be/4 ,!y are 
*eap1 dry v quickly1 & are n easily     
pick$ out by ! bru%4  ,! be/ blanket is 
t made by ! ,hudson's ,bay ,company =   
its s]vants--a ?ree-po9t = summ] is     
heavy en\gh4 ,! next be/ is our own gray
 army blanket4 ,"o ( rubb] %\ld fold    
ab\t x1 & a pair ( n>r[ buckle /raps is 
h&y to keep ! bundle "r & tight &       
wat]pro(4 ,z = a t5t1 buy ! smalle/     
%elt] y c get along )1 h x made (       
balloon silk well wat]pro($1 & supplem5t
 x ) a duplicate t5t ( light *eeseclo?  
to susp5d inside z a fly-pro( def5ce4 ,a
 sev5-by-sev5 ?ree-man ,a-t5t1 :i* w\ld 
weigh betwe5 tw5ty & ?irty p\nds if made
 ( duck1 means only ab\t eight p\nds    
con/ruct$ ( ?is mat]ial4 ,& x is        
wat]pro(4 ,i own "o :i* ,i h us$ = ?ree 
seasons4 ,x has be5 employ$ z t>paul91  
fly1 ev5 blanket on a p9*2 x has be5    

pack$ ?r\gh ! r\ghe/ c\ntry2 ,i h ev5   
press$ x into s]vice z a sort ( canoe   
l9+2 b x is /ill z good z ev]4 ,su* a   
t5t sometimes cond5ses a little moi/ure 
9 a cold ra91 b x nev] sprays z does a  
duck %elt]2 x nev] leaks simply because 
y h accid5tally t\*$ its "u-surface2 &1 
be/ ( all1 x weighs no m aft] a ra9 ?an 
be=e x4 ,?is latt] item is p]haps its   
be/ recomm5dation4 ,! confront+ )       
equanimity ( a wet day's j\rney 9 !     
%[]-ba? bru% ( our nor!rn =e/s requires 
a degree ( philosophy :i* a gratuit\s t5
 p\nds ( soak$-up wat] sometimes mo/    
effectually breaks d[n4 ,i "k ( b "o    
place :]e su* a t5t c be b\ght4 ,!      
address w be gladly s5t to any "o       
practically int]e/$4  ,z = ! actual     
implem5ts ( ! trade1 !y are n _m1 al?\gh
 ( c\rse ! sport+ goods /ores are full (
 all sorts ( h&y contrivances4 ,a small 
axe--"o ( ! pocket size w d1 if y get ! 
"r %ape & balance1 al?\gh a light       
regulation axe is bett]2 a ?9-blad$     
%ea?-knife ( ! be/ /eel2 a pocket-knife2

 a compass2 a wat]pro( mat*-safe2       
fi%+-tackle2 fire>ms2 & cook+ ut5sils   
comprise ! li/4 ,all o!rs belong to     
p]man5t camps1 or op5-wat] cruises--n to
 hikes 9 ! woods4  ,! items1 ) !        
exception ( ! la/ two1 seem to expla9   
!mselves4 ,dur+ ! summ] mon?s 9 ! ,nor? 
,woods y w n ne$ a rifle4 ,p>tridges1   
spruce h5s1 pt>migan1 rabbits1 ducks1 & 
geese are usually abundant en\gh to fill
 ! provision li/4 ,= !m1 ( c\rse1 a     
%otgun is ! ?+2 b s9ce su* a weapon     
weighs _m p\nds1 & its ammunition _m m1 
,i h come gradually to dep5d entirely on
 a pi/ol4 ,! in/rum5t is s+le %ot1      
c>ries a six-in* b>rel1 is fitt$ ) a    
special butt1 & is built on ! graceful  
l9es ( a #ch-;calibre ,smi? & ,wesson   
revolv]4 ,its c>tridge is ! #bb         
long-rifle1 a t>get size1 t c>ries z    
accurately z y c hold = upw>ds ( a      
hundr$ y>ds4 ,) x ,i h (t5 kill$ a      
half-doz5 ( p>tridges f ! same tree4 ,! 
ammunition is light4 ,altoge!r x is a   
mo/ satisfactory1 conv5i5t1 & accurate  

weapon1 & q adequate to all small game4 
,9 fact1 an ,indian nam$ ,tawab9isy1    
aft] see+ x p]=m1 once borr[$ x to kill 
a moose4  ,illu/ration3 ,,?is ,,old     
,,soldi] ,,_h ,,come ,,9 ,,f ,,! ,,long 
,,trail ,,to ,,be> ,,aga9 ,,! ,,flag ,,(
 ,,8 ,,c\ntry4  ,i %ootum 9 eye1 said   
he4  ,by way ( cook+ ut5sils1 buy       
alum9ium4 ,x is exp5sive1 b s light & s 
easily clean$ t x is well wor? all y may
 h to pay4 ,if y are alone y w n want to
 c>ry mu* h>dw>e4 ,i made a tw5ty-day   
trip once ) no?+ b a t9 cup & a         
fry+-pan4 ,di%es1 pails1 wa%-bas9s1 &   
o!r receptacles c always be made ( bir* 
b>k & c$> )es--by "o :o kn[s h[4 ,!     
ideal outfit = two or ?ree is a cup1 =k1
 & spoon apiece1 "o tea-pail1 two       
kettle-pails1 & a fry+-pan4 ,! latt] c  
be us$ z a bread-ov54  ,a few m9or      
items1 ( practically no weight1 sugge/  
!mselves--toilet requisites1 fly-dope1  
ne$le & ?read1 a ca?>tic1 pa9-kill]1 a  
roll ( surgeon's b&age1 pipe & tobacco4 
,b :5 ! pack is made up1 & ! duffel bag 

ti$1 y f9d t1 :ile fitt$ = e em]g5cy b t
 ( cata/rophe1 y are prep>$ to g light4 
,,iii4  ,,! ,,jump+-,,(f ,,place4       
,sometime1 no matt] h[ long y\r j\rney1 
y w rea* a spot ^: psy*ological effect  
is s exactly l a doz5 o!rs t y w        
recognize at once its k9%ip ) =m]       
exp]i5ce4 ,m]e physical lik5ess does n  
c\nt at all4 ,x may possess a wat]-front
 ( la?s & sawdu/1 or an outlook ov]     
broad1 %imm]+1 heat-bak$ pla9s4 ,x may  
front ! impassive fr+e ( a =e/1 or x may
 skirt ! calm /ret* ( a riv]4 ,b :e!r ( 
log or mud1 /one or unpa9t$ bo>d1 its   
id5tity becomes at fir/ sight           
indubitably evid5t4 ,7 y1 by ! wave ( "s
 b5efic5t w&1 to be transport$ direct to
 x f ! he>t ( ! city1 y c\ld n fail to  
recognize x4 ,! jump+-(f place6 y w\ld  
cry ec/atically1 & turn ) un]r+ in/9ct  
to ! ,aromatic ,%op4  ,= "h is :]e beg9s
 ! ,long ,trail4 ,:e!r x w lead y ?r\gh 
! =e/s1 or up ! hills1 or ov] ! pla9s1  
or by invisible wat] pa?s2 :e!r y w     
accompli% x on horseback1 or 9 canoe1 or

 by ! transportation ( y\r own two legs2
 :e!r y\r companions %all be :ite or r$1
 or m]ely ! voices ( ! wilds--^! ?+s    
matt] n a p>ticle4 ,9 ! symbol ( ?is    
little t[n y loose y\r hold on ! _w (   
made ?+s1 & %ift = y\rself among !      
un*ang+ conditions ( nature4  ,"h ! fa9t
 =e/ flav\r1 ! subtle1 invisible brea? (
 fre$om1 /irs fa9tly across m5's        
conv5tions4 ,! ord9>y affairs ( life    
sav\r ( ?is tang--a trace ( wildness 9 !
 dome/icat$ b]ry4 ,9 ! dress ( !        
inhabitants is a da% ( col\r1 a         
c>elessness ( port2 9 ! mann] ( _!      
greet+ is ! cle>1 /eady-ey$ taciturnity 
( ! sil5t places2 ?r\gh ! web ( _! gray 
talk ( ways & means & m5's simpl]       
beliefs runs a ?read ( col\r4 ,"o he>s  
/range1 sugge/ive words &               
phrases--arapajo1 capote1 arroyo1 !     
diamond hit*1 ca*e1 butte1 c\l1 muskegs1
 portage1 & a doz5 o!rs co9$ into ! t5d]
 ( daily use4 ,& occasionally1 :5 !     
expectation is lea/ al]t1 "o enc\nt]s   
sudd5ly ! v symbol ( ! wild]ness        

itself--a du/-:it5$ c[boy1 an ,indian   
pack] ) 8 /raight1 fillet-conf9$ hair1 a
 voyageur gay 9 r$ sa% & ornam5t$       
moccas9s1 "o ( ! ,company's canoem51    
holl[-*eek$ f ! riv]--no co/um$ %[      
exhibit1 b fitt+ naturally into ! sc5e1 
br++ some?+ ( ! op5 space ) him--s t 9  
y\r imag9ation ! little t[n gradually   
takes on ! col\r ( my/]y :i* an old]    
community utt]ly lacks4  ,b p]haps !    
/ronge/ ( ! influ5ces :i* unite to      
assure ! psy*ological k9%ips ( !        
jump+-(f places is t ( ! ,aromatic ,%op4
 ,x is usually a bo>d affair1 ) a broad 
high sidewalk %ad$ by a wood5 awn+4 ,y  
ent] ?r\gh a n>r[ door1 & f9d y\rself   
fac+ two dusky aisles sep>at$ by a n>r[ 
division ( goods1 & flank$ by wood5     
c\nt]s4 ,s f> x is exactly l ! corn]    
/ore ( our rural di/ricts4 ,b 9 !       
dimness ( ^! two aisles lurks ! _s ( !  
wilds4 ,!re 9 a r[ hang fifty pair (    
smoke-tann$ moccas9s2 9 ano!r an equal  
numb] ( oil-tann$2 across ! backgr\nd y 
c make out sn[%oes4 ,! %elves are high )

 blankets--?ree-po9t1 f\r-po9t--?ick &  
w>m = ! out-(-doors4 ,%\ld y c>e to     
exam9e1 ! /orekeep] w hook d[n f al(t   
capotes ( diff]5t degrees ( f95ess4     
,fa?oms ( black tobacco-rope lie coil$ 9
 tubs4 ,tump-l9es welt] 9 a tangle (    
dimness4 ,on a s]ies ( little %elves is 
! ammunition1 fasc9at+ 9 ! attraction ( 
m]e numb]s--#dd ,w9*e/]1 #de ,colt1     
#dj-hb1 #cj-dj1 #dd ,s4  ,w4--!y all    
connote some?+ to ! accu/om$ m9d1 j z d 
! numb]$ /reet names ( ,new ,york4  ,an 
exploration is always br++ some?+ new to
 light among ! commonplaces ( g+hams &  
work+ %irts1 & cann$ goods & /ation]y1 &
 ! o!r ?\s&s ( civiliz$ dre>9esses to   
f\nd 9 e c\ntry /ore4 ,f "u ! c\nt] y   
drag out a m9k sk9 or s2 f ! d>k corn]  
an assortm5t ( /eel traps4 ,9 a l(t a   
bir*-b>k mokok1 fifty p\nds heavy )     
granulat$ maple sug>1 disp5ses a fa9t   
p]fume4  ,= ?is is1 above all1 !        
,aromatic ,%op4 ,a hundr$ gho/s ( od\rs 
m+le to produce ! _s ( x4 ,! reek ( !   
camp-fires is 9 its bucksk91 ( ! woods 9

 its bir* b>k1 ( ! muskegs 9 its sweet  
grass1 ( ! op5 spaces 9 its peltries1 ( 
! ev5+ meal 9 its c(fees & bacons1 ( !  
portage trail 9 ! lea!r ( ! tump-l9es4  
,i am speak+ n[ ( ! c\ntry ( :i* we are 
to write4 ,! %ops ( ! o!r jump+-(f      
places are equally aromatic--:e!r ) !   
lea!r ( saddles1 ! fre%ness ( a%        
paddles1 or ! pung5cy ( m>l9e2 & once ! 
smell ( !m is 9 y\r no/rils y _c b away4
  ,! ,aromatic ,%op is always kept by ! 
wise/1 ! mo/ accommodat+1 ! mo/ *>m+    
%opkeep] 9 ! _w4 ,he has all leisure to 
give y1 & ent]s into ! inn]mo/ _s ( y\r 
buy+4 ,he is ( sup]nal sagacity 9 reg>d 
to supplies & outfits1 & if he does n "k
 all ab\t r\tes1 at lea/ he is acqua9t$ 
) ! v man :o c tell y ev]y?+ y want to  
"k4 ,he leans bo? elb[s on ! c\nt]1 y   
sw+ y\r feet1 & toge!r y g ov] ! li/1   
:ile ! ,indian /&s smoky & sil5t 9 !    
backgr\nd4 ,n[1 if ,i 0 y1 says he1 ,i'd
 take j a little m pork4 ,y won't be    
eat9' s mu* y\rself1 b ^! ,injuns a9't  
got no bottom :5 x comes to s[-belly4 ,&

 ,i w\ldn't buy all t c(fee4 ,y a9't    
go9' to want mu* aft] ! fir/ edge is    
worn (f4 ,tea's ! boy4 ,! ,indian %oots 
a few rapid words across ! discussion4  
,he says y'll want "s iron %oes to fit  
on canoe poles = :5 y come back         
up-/ream1 int]prets y\r fri5d4 ,i guess 
t's "r4 ,i a9't got none1 b ?'          
blacksmi?'ll fit y out all "r4 ,y'll f9d
 him j bel[--nev] m9d1 don't y bo!r1    
,i'll see to all t = y4  ,! next morn+  
he saunt]s into view at ! riv]-bank4    
,?\ght ,i'd see y (f1 he replies to y\r 
expression ( surprise at 8 e>ly ris+4   
,take c>e ( y\rself4 ,& s ! la/ h&-clasp
 ( civilization is ext5d$ to y f !      
little ,aromatic ,%op4  ,occasionally1  
h[ev]1 ?\gh v r>ely1 y /ep to ! ,long   
,trail f ! /reets ( a raw mod]n t[n4 ,! 
*ance pres5ce ( "s local indu/ry dem&+ a
 l>ge population ( workm51 comb9$ )     
fir/-class railroad transportation1 may 
plant an electric-light$1 saloon-l9$1   
brick-hotel$ city 9 ! middle ( !        
wild]ness4 ,lumb]1 m9es--especially ( ! 

bas] metals or comm]cial                
m9]als--fi%]ies1 a t]m9us ( wat]        
freightage1 may "o or all call into     
exi/5ce a community a hundr$ ye>s 9     
advance ( its environm5t4 ,!n y lose !  
sav\r ( ! jump-(f4 ,no?+ c q take !     
place ( ! in/ant plunge into !          
wild]ness1 = y mu/ travel ?ree or f\r   
days f su* a place be=e y s5se ! =e/ 9  
its va/ness1 ev5 ?\gh de] may eat !     
cabbages at ! edge ( t[n4 ,occasionally1
 h[ev]1 by =ce ( crude contra/ to !     
brick-heat$ atmosph]e1 ! brea? ( ! woods
 rea*es y\r *eek1 & always y own a v    
t5d] feel+ = ! cause ( x4  ,dick &      
myself 7 caught 9 su* a place4 ,x 0 an  
unf9i%$ little t[n1 ) brick-front$      
/ores1 arc-lights sway+ ov] fa?omless   
mud1 big sup]9t5d5t's & mill[n]'s h\ses 
( ba/>d ar*itecture 9 a blatant         
sup]iority ( hill location1 a hotel ^:  
(fice *airs support$ a v>iety ( *eap    
drumm]s1 & /ores scree*+ 9 an attempt at
 metropolitan sm>tness4 ,we inspect$ !  
/&pipe & ! docks1 walk$ a c>eless mile (

 bo>d walk1 kick$ a doz5 pugnaci\s dogs 
f our sett]1 ,deuce1 & f\nd ourselves at
 ! end ( our res\rces4 ,z a cr[d seem$  
to be ga!r+ ab\t ! wood5 railway /ation1
 we jo9$ x 9 %e] idl5ess4  ,x seem$ t an
 election _h tak5 place ! day be=e1 t "o
 ,smi? _h be5 *os5 to ! ,assembly1 & t1 
?\gh ?is di/rict _h gone anti-,smi?1 !  
c&idate 0 expect$ to /op (f an h\r on 8 
way to a m we/]ly po9t4 ,consequ5tly !  
t[n 0 on h& to receive him4  ,! cr[d1 we
 soon discov]$1 0 b\rgeois 9 ! extreme4 
,"y m5 f ! mill escort$ "y wom5 f !     
%ops4 ,! "y m5 wore fl>+ coll>s ?ree    
sizes too l>ge2 ! "y wom5 :ite cotton   
mitts ?ree sizes too small4 ,! old] m5  
spat1 & talk$ ?r\gh _! noses2 ! wom5    
drawl$ out a monoton\s fl[ ( spee*      
conc]n+ ! annoyances ( dome/ic life4 ,a 
gang ( unc\? practical jok]s1 explod+ 9 
horse-laught]1 skyl>k$ ab\t1 jo/l+      
rudely4 ,a village b&1 uni=m$ solely )  
*eap c>riage-clo? caps1 bray$           
excruciat+ly4 ,! reception committee _h 
decorat$1 ) r$ & :ite silesia /ream]s & 

rosettes1 an ord9>y side-b> buggy1 to   
:i* a long rope _h be5 atta*$1 t ! great
 man might be dragg$ by 8 fell[-citiz5s 
to ! public squ>e4  ,nobody seem$ to be 
tak+ ! affair too s]i\sly4 ,x 0 evid5tly
 m ?an half a joke4 ,anti-,smi? 0 m     
good-hum\r$ly 9 evid5ce ?an ! w9n+ p>ty4
 ,j ?is t\* ( buffoon]y complet$ our    
s5se ( ! f>ce-com$y "* ( ! situation4 ,!
 t[n 0 tawdry 9 its prep>ations--& knew 
x2 b half s9c]e 9 its en?usiasm--& knew 
x4 ,if ! cr[d _h be5 compos$ (          
,am]icans1 we %\ld h anticipat$ an      
unhappy "t = ,smi?2 b good1 loyal       
,canadians1 by ! limitations (          
temp]am5t1 c\ld get no fur!r ?an a _s ( 
manife/ irrev]5ce4  ,9 ! %ift+ ( ! gr\ps
 ,dick & ,i became sep>at$1 b %ortly ,i 
made him out worm+ 8 way excit$ly t[>d  
me1 8 sket*-book op5 9 8 h&4  ,come "h1 
he :isp]$4 ,!re's go+ to be fun4 ,!y're 
go+ to op5 up on old ,smi? aft] all4  ,i
 foll[$4 ,! decorat$ side-b> buggy might
 be well meant2 ! village b& ne$ n h be5
 int]pret$ z an ironical complim5t2 !   

re/ ( ! celebration might indicate      
paucity ( res\rce r ?an faceti\s int5t2 
b surely ! figure ( fun be=e u c\ld n be
 o!rwise con/ru$ ?an z a delib]ate      
adv]tis+ 9 ! face ( success ( ! t[n's   
real attitude t[>d ! celebration4  ,!   
man 0 %ort4 ,he wore a felt hat1 s big t
 x re/$ on 8 e>s4 ,a gray wool %irt hung
 bel[ 8 neck4 ,a cutaway coat miles too 
l>ge dep5d$ bel[ 8 knees & to ! fir/    
jo9ts ( 8 f+]s4 ,by way ( (ficial uni=m 
8 legs 7 incas$ 9 an ord9>y r\gh pair ( 
mill]'s :ite tr\s]s1 on :i* broad /rips 
( r$ flannel _h be5 r\ghly sewn4 ,ev]y?+
 0 wr9kl$ 9 ! folds ( too-bigness4 ,z   
?\gh to acc5tuate ! note1 ! man /ood v  
erect1 v milit>y1 & support$ 9 "o h& !  
/aff ( an ,engli% flag4 ,?is figure (   
fun1 ?is man made f ! slop-*e/1 ?is     
c>icature ( a sc>ecr[1 _h be5 put =? by 
heavy-h&$ faceti\sness to ! po/ (       
greate/ hon\r4 ,he 0 ,/&>d-,be>] to !   
occasion6 ,surely subtle irony c\ld g no
 fur!r4  ,a sudd5 movem5t caus$ ! man to
 turn4 ,"o sleeve ( ! fad$1 ridicul\s   

old cutaway 0 empty4 ,he turn$ aga94 ,f 
"u ! e>-flang+ hat look$ unfl9*+ly !    
cle>1 /eady blue eye ( ! woodsman4 ,& s 
we knew4 ,?is old soldi] _h come 9 f !  
,long ,trail to be> aga9 ! flag ( 8     
c\ntry4 ,if 8 clo!s 7 old & ill-fitt+1  
at lea/ !y 7 8 be/1 & ! l>g5ess ( !     
empty sleeve belittl$ ! too-l>g5ess ( ! 
o!r4 ,9 all ?is ribald1 laugh+1         
irrev]5t1 commonplace1 semi-vici\s cr[d 
he 0 ! "o note ( s9c]ity4 ,to him ?is 0 
a real occasion1 & ! exalt$ rev]5ce 9 8 
eye = ! task he 0 s simply p]=m+ 0      
,smi?'s real triumph--if he c\ld h kn[n 
x4 ,we und]/ood n[1 we felt ! imm95ce ( 
! ,long ,trail4 ,= ! fir/ "t ! little   
brick1 tawdry t[n gripp$ our he>ts ) !  
well-kn[n ?rill ( ! ,jump+-,(f ,place4  
,sudd5ly ! great1 simple1 una%am$       
wild]ness drew ne> u z ) ! ru% ( w+s4   
,,iv4  ,,on ,,mak+ ,,camp4  ,:o ha?     
smelt wood-smoke at twilight8 ,:o ha?   
he>d ! bir* log burn+8 ,:o is quick to  
read ! noises ( ! night8 ,let him foll[ 
) ! o!rs1 = ! "y m5's feet are turn+ ,to

 ! camps ( prov$ desire & kn[n delight4 
,9 ! ,ojibway language wigwam means a   
good spot = camp+1 a place cle>$ = a    
camp1 a camp z an ab/ract proposition1 &
 a camp 9 ! concrete z repres5t$ by a   
t5t1 a ?at*$ %elt]1 or a conical tepee4 
,9 l mann]1 ! ,engli% ^w camp l5ds      
itself to a v>iety ( concepts4 ,i once  
slept 9 a f\r-po/] b$ ov] a poli%$ floor
 9 an elaborate s]vant-haunt$ /ructure  
:i*1 ma9ly because x 0 built ( logs &   
ov]look$ a lake1 ! own] always spoke ( z
 8 camp4 ,aga91 ,i once slept on a b$ ( 
prairie grass1 be=e a fire ( dri$       
buffalo *ips & mesquite1 wrapp$ 9 a s+le
 light blanket1 :ile a good vigor\s     
ra9-/orm made new cold places on me & "u
 me all night4 ,9 ! morn+ ! c[boy ) :om 
,i 0 travell+ rem>k$ t ?is 0 sure a     
lonesome proposition z a camp4  ,betwe5 
^! two extremes is inf9ite v>iety1 grad+
 upw>ds ?r\gh ! div]s biv\acs ( sn[1    
pla9s1 p9es1 or hills to ! b>k %elt]2   
pa/ ! dog-t5t1 ! ,a-t5t1 ! wall-t5t1 to 
! elaborate p]man5t canvas cottage ( !  

luxuri\s camp]1 ! dug-out w9t] retreat (
 ! range c[boy1 ! trapp]'s cab91 ! great
 log-built lumb]-jack communities1 & !  
la/ ref9em5ts ( syb>itic summ] homes 9 !
 ,adirondacks4 ,all ^! are camps4 ,& :5 
y talk ( mak+ camp y mu/ "k :e!r t      
process is to mean only a se>* =        
rattlesnakes & en\gh acrid-smok$ fuel to
 boil tea1 or a w9t]'s consultation ) an
 exp]t ar*itect2 :e!r y\r camp is to be 
made on ! pr9ciple ( ,om>'s "o-night    
,sultan1 or :e!r x is int5d$ to         
accommodate ! full days ( an entire     
summ]4  ,b to ^? :o tread ! ,long ,trail
 ! mak+ ( camp resolves itself into an  
algebraical =mula4 ,aft] a man has      
travell$ all day ?r\gh ! ,nor!rn        
wild]ness he wants to re/1 & any?+ t /&s
 betwe5 himself & 8 repose he mu/ get   
rid ( 9 z few motions z is consi/5t )   
reasonable ?or\ghness4 ,! end 9 view is 
a hot meal & a com=table dry place to   
sleep4 ,! /raight] he c draw ! l9e to ^?
 two po9ts ! happi] he is4  ,e>ly 9 8   
woods exp]i5ce1 ,dick became possess$ ) 

! desire to d ev]y?+ = himself4 ,z ?is 0
 a laudable /riv+ = self-suffici5cy1 ,i 
call$ a halt at ab\t ?ree o'clock "o    
aft]noon 9 ord] to give him pl5ty ( "t4 
,n[ ,dick is a good1 active1 able-bodi$ 
boy1 possess$ ( av]age intellig5ce & r m
 ?an av]age zeal4 ,he ev5 _h !ory ( a   
sort1 = he _h read v>i\s ,boy ,camp]s1  
or ! ,trapp]'s ,guide1 ,h[ to ,camp     
,out1 ,! ,sci5ce ( ,woodcraft1 & o!r    
able works4 ,he c]ta9ly _h ideas en\gh &
 confid5ce en\gh4 ,i sat d[n on a log4  
,at ! end ( ?ree h\rs' flu/]ation1 heat1
 worry1 & good h>d "w1 he _h accompli%$ 
! foll[+ results3 ,a t5t1 v saggy1 v    
askew1 cov]$ a f\r-sid$ area--x 0 n a   
rectangle--( v bumpy gr\nd4 ,a          
hodge-podge bonfire1 9 ! c5tre ( :i* an 
inaccessible c(fee-pot toppl$ m5ac+ly1  
alt]nately ?reat5$ to ignite ! entire   
surr\nd+ =e/ or to g out altoge!r ?r\gh 
lack ( fuel4 ,p]sonal belong+s /rew$ !  
gr\nd ne> ! fire1 & provisions cumb]$ ! 
entrance to ! t5t4 ,dick 0 anxi\sly mix+
 batt] = ! cakes1 attempt+ to /ir a pot 

( rice (t5 en\gh to prev5t x f burn+1 & 
try+ to ru/le suffici5t dry wood to keep
 ! fire go+4 ,?is div]sity ( int]e/s    
c]ta9ly made him sit up & pay att5tion4 
,at ea* in/ant he _h to des]t 8         
fl\r-sack to rescue ! c(fee-pot1 or to  
%ift ! kettle1 or to dab ha/ily at !    
rice1 or to /amp out ! small bru%1 or to
 pile on m dry twigs4 ,8 movem5ts 7 n   
graceful4 ,!y rais$ a scurry ( dry b>k1 
a%es1 wood du/1 twigs1 leaves1 & p9e    
ne$les1 a c]ta9 proportion ( :i* f\nd _!
 way into ! c(fee1 ! rice1 & ! /icky    
batt]1 :ile ! small] articles ( p]sonal 
belong+1 ha/ily dump$ f ! duffel-bag1   
gradually disappe>$ f view 9 ! mann] (  
,pompeii & anci5t ,vesuvius4 ,dick burn$
 8 f+]s & /umbl$ ab\t & swore1 & look$ s
 comically-pa!tically r$-fac$ ?r\gh !   
smoke t ,i1 seat$ on ! log1 at ! same "t
 laugh$ & piti$4 ,& 9 ! end1 :5 he ne$$ 
a cont9u\s /eady fire to fry 8 cakes1 he
 sudd5ly discov]$ t dry twigs d n make  
coals1 & t 8 previ\s op]ations _h us$ up
 all ! fuel )9 easy circle ( ! camp4  ,s

 he _h to drop ev]y?+ = ! purpose (     
ru/l+ wood1 :ile ! c(fee *ill$1 ! rice  
cool$1 ! bacon congeal$1 & all !        
provisions1 cook$ & uncook$1 ga!r$      
entomological specim5s4 ,at ! la/1 !    
poor b$evil$ !ori/ made a ha/y meal (   
scor*$ food1 braz5ly po/pon$ ! wa%+ (   
di%es until ! morr[1 & coil$ ab\t 8     
hummocky c\* to dream ! nightm>es (     
complete exhau/ion4  ,poor ,dick6 ,i    
knew exactly h[ he felt1 h[ ! l[        
aft]noon sun scor*$1 h[ ! fire d>t$ out 
at unexpect$ places1 h[ ! smoke foll[$  
him ar\nd1 no matt] on :i* side ( ! fire
 he plac$ himself1 h[ ! flies all took  
to bit+ :5 bo? h&s 7 occupi$1 & h[ !y   
all miracul\sly disappe>$ :5 he _h set  
d[n ! fry+-pan & knife to fight !m4 ,i  
c\ld sympa?ize1 too1 ) ! lonely1 =lorn1 
lo/-dog feel+ t clut*$ him aft] x 0 all 
ov]4 ,i c\ld rememb] h[ big & =bidd+ &  
unfri5dly ! =e/ _h once look$ to me 9 l 
circum/ances1 s t ,i _h felt sudd5ly    
?ru/ outside into empty spaces4 ,almo/ 0
 ,i tempt$ to int]v5e2 b ,i lik$ ,dick1 

& ,i want$ to d him good4 ,?is exp]i5ce 
0 h>r[+1 b x prep>$ 8 m9d = ! se$s (    
wisdom4 ,by ! foll[+ morn+ he _h *a/5$ 8
 _s1 =gott5 ! assurance brea!d f ! w9dy 
pages ( ! ,boy ,trapp] ,libr>y1 & 0     
ready to le>n4  ,h y ev] wat*$ a        
compet5t portraiti/ at "w8 ,! inf9ite   
pa9s a skill$ man sp5ds on ! prelim9>ies
 be=e he takes "o /ep t[>ds a lik5ess   
ne>ly always we>s d[n ! pati5ce ( !     
sitt]4 ,he measures ) 8 eye1 he plumbs1 
he sket*es t5tatively1 he places 9 "h a 
dab1 !re a blot*1 he puts beh9d him     
app>5tly unproductive h\rs--& !n all at 
once he is ready to beg9 some?+ t w n h 
to be done ov] aga94 ,an amateur1 h[ev]1
 is c>ri$ away by 8 desire = results4   
,he da%es 9 a hit-or-miss e>ly effect1  
:i* gr[s into an approximate lik5ess    
almo/ imm$iately1 b :i* w require       
inf9ite lab\r1 alt]ation1 & anxiety to  
beat into f9i%$ %ape4  ,! case ( ! arti/
 9 mak+ camps is exactly simil>1 & !    
philosophical reasons = 8 failure are   
exactly ! same4 ,to ! sup]ficial m9d a  

camp is a %elt]1 a bright fire1 & a     
smell ( cook+4 ,s :5 a man is v tir$ he 
cuts across lots to ^? ?ree results4 ,he
 pit*es 8 t5t1 lights 8 fire1 puts ov] 8
 food--& f9ds himself dr[n$ 9 detail1 l 
my fri5d ,dick4  ,! foll[+ is1 9 brief1 
:at dur+ ! next six weeks ,i told t y\?1
 by precept1 by homily1 & by mak+ !     
solution s obvi\s t he c\ld "w x out =  
himself4  ,:5 five or six o'clock draws 
ne>1 beg9 to look ab\t y = a good level 
dry place1 elevat$ "s few feet above !  
surr\nd+s4 ,drop y\r pack or bea* y\r   
canoe4 ,exam9e ! location c>efully4 ,y w
 want two trees ab\t t5 feet ap>t1 f :i*
 to susp5d y\r t5t1 & a bit ( flat gr\nd
 und]nea? !m4 ,( c\rse ! flat gr\nd ne$ 
n be p>ticul>ly un5cumb]$ by bru% or    
sapl+s1 s ! comb9ation ought n to be h>d
 to discov]4 ,n[ return to y\r canoe4 ,d
 n unpack ! t5t4  ,) ! little axe cle> !
 gr\nd ?or\ghly4 ,by b5d+ a sapl+ ov]   
/rongly ) ! left h&1 clipp+ %>ply at !  
/ra9$ fibres1 & !n b5d+ x z /rongly !   
o!r way to repeat ! axe /roke on ! o!r  

side1 y w f9d t treelets ( ev5 two or   
?ree in*es diamet] c be fell$ by two    
bl[s4 ,9 a v few mom5ts y w h accompli%$
 a hole 9 ! =e/1 & y\r two support+     
trees w /& s5t9el at ei!r end ( a mo/   
respectable-look+ cle>+4 ,d n unpack !  
t5t4  ,n[1 al?\gh ! gr\nd seems free (  
all b unimportant gr[?s1 g ov] x        
?or\ghly = little %rubs & leaves4 ,!y   
look s(t & yield+1 b are (t5 possess$ ( 
unexpect$ly abrasive roots4 ,besides1 !y
 mask ! face ( ! gr\nd4 ,:5 y h f9i%$   
pull+ !m up by ! roots1 y w f9d t y\r   
suppos$ly level plot is knobby )        
hummocks4 ,/& directly ov] ea* little   
m\nd2 sw+ ! back ( y\r axe vigor\sly    
aga9/ x1 adze-wise1 betwe5 y\r legs4    
,n9e times out ( t5 x w crumble1 & ! t5?
 "t means m]ely a root to cut or a /one 
to pry out4 ,at l5g? y are possess$ ( a 
plot ( clean1 fre% e>?1 level & s(t1    
free f projections4 ,b d n unpack y\r   
t5t4  ,lay a "y bir* or maple an in* or 
s 9 diamet] across a log4 ,two clips w  
produce y a t5t-peg4 ,if y are          

inexp]i5c$1 & *]i% memories ( /rip$ lawn
 m>quees1 y w cut !m ab\t six in*es     
long4 ,if y are wise & old & gray 9     
woods exp]i5ce1 y w multiply t l5g? by  
f\r4 ,!n y\r loops w n slip (f1 & y w h 
a real grip on "m e>?1 ?an :i* no?+ c be
 m desirable 9 ! ev5t ( a heavy ra9 &   
w9d squall ab\t midnight4 ,if y\r axe is
 z %>p z x ought to be1 y c po9t !m m   
neatly by hold+ !m susp5d$ 9 front ( y  
:ile y snip at _! ends ) ! axe1 r ?an by
 re/+ !m aga9/ a solid base4 ,pile !m   
toge!r at ! edge ( ! cle>+4 ,cut a      
crot*$ sapl+ eight or t5 feet long4 ,n[ 
unpack y\r t5t4  ,9 a wood$ c\ntry y w n
 take ! "t to fool ) t5t-poles4 ,a /\t  
l9e run ?r\gh ! eyelets & along ! apex w
 /r+ x successfully betwe5 y\r two      
trees4 ,draw ! l9e z tight z possible1 b
 d n be too unhappy if1 aft] y\r be/    
ef=ts1 x /ill sags a little4 ,t is :at  
y\r long crot*$ /ick is =4 ,/ake out y\r
 f\r corn]s4 ,if y get !m 9 a good      
rectangle1 & 9 su* relation to ! apex z 
to =m two isosceles triangles ( ! ends1 

y\r t5t w /& smoo?ly4 ,!re=e1 be an     
arti/ & d x "r4 ,once ! f\r corn]s are  
well plac$1 ! re/ foll[s naturally4     
,occasionally 9 ! ,nor? ,c\ntry x w be  
f\nd t ! soil is too ?9 ov] ! rocks to  
grip ! t5t-pegs4 ,9 t case drive !m at a
 %>p angle z deep z !y w g1 & !n lay a  
l>ge flat /one across ! slant ( !m4 ,?us
 an*or$1 y w ride out a gale4 ,f9ally1  
w$ge y\r long sapl+ crot* "u !          
l9e--outside ! t5t1 ( c\rse--to tight5  
x4 ,y\r %elt] is up4 ,if y are a        
woodsman1 t5 or fifte5 m9utes has       
suffic$ to accompli% all ?is4  ,!re     
rema9s ! "q ( a b$1 & y'd bett] att5d to
 x n[1 :ile y\r m9d is /ill occupi$ ) ! 
%elt] problem4 ,fell a good ?rifty "y   
balsam & set to "w pull+ (f ! fans4 ,^? 
y _c /rip (f easily ) y\r h&s are too   
t\gh = y\r purpose4 ,lay !m c>elessly   
crisscross aga9/ ! blade ( y\r axe & up 
! h&le4 ,!y w n drop (f1 & :5 y %\ld] t 
axe y w resemble a walk+ hay/ack1 & w   
probably exp]i5ce a g5u9e emotion (     
surprise at ! am\nt ( balsam t c be ?us 

transport$4 ,9 ! t5t lay smoo?ly "o lay]
 ( fans1 convex side up1 butts t[>d !   
foot4 ,n[ ?at* ! re/ on top ( ?is1 ?ru/+
 ! butt ends und]nea? ! lay] already    
plac$ 9 su* a mann] z to leave ! fan    
ends curv+ up & d[n t[>ds ! foot ( y\r  
b$4 ,y\r second emotion ( surprise w    
assail y z y realize h[ mu* spr+ inh]es 
9 b two or ?ree lay]s ?us arrang$4 ,:5 y
 h spread y\r rubb] blanket1 y w be     
possess$ ( a b$ z s(t & a great deal m  
aromatic & luxuri\s ?an any y w\ld be   
able to buy 9 t[n4  ,y\r next c>e is to 
cle> a liv+ space 9 front ( ! t5t4 ,?is 
w take y ab\t tw5ty seconds1 = y ne$ n  
be p>ticul> z to /umps1 hummocks1 or    
small bru%4 ,all y want is room = cook+1
 & suitable space = spread+ out y\r     
provisions4 ,b d n unpack any?+ yet4    
,y\r fireplace y w build ( two gre5 logs
 laid side by side4 ,! fire is to be    
made betwe5 !m4 ,!y %\ld conv]ge        
slightly1 9 ord] t ! ut5sils to be re/$ 
across !m may be ( v>i\s sizes4 ,if y\r 
vic9ity yields flat /ones1 !y build up  

ev5 bett] ?an ! logs--unless !y happ5 to
 be ( granite4 ,granite explodes mo/    
disconc]t+ly4 ,poles %>p5$1 driv5       
upright into ! gr\nd1 & !n press$ d[n to
 slant ov] ! fireplace1 w hold y\r      
kettles a suitable height above ! blaze4
  ,fuel %\ld be y\r next ?\ght4 ,a roll 
( bir* b>k fir/ ( all4 ,!n "s ( ! small1
 dry1 res9\s bran*es t /ick out f !     
trunks ( m$ium-siz$ p9es1 liv+ or dead4 
,f9ally1 ! wood itself4 ,if y are m]ely 
cook+ supp]1 & h no ?\ght = a w>m?-fire 
or a fri5d%ip-fire1 ,i %\ld advise y to 
/ick to ! dry p9e bran*es1 help$ out1 9 
! int]e/ ( coals = fry+1 by a little dry
 maple or bir*4 ,if y ne$ m ( a blaze1 y
 w h to se>* out1 fell1 & split a /&+   
dead tree4 ,?is is n at all necess>y4 ,i
 h travell$ _m weeks 9 ! woods )\t us+ a
 m =midable implem5t ?an a "o-p\nd      
hat*et4 ,pile y\r fuel--a complete      
supply1 all y are go+ to ne$--by ! side 
( y\r already improvis$ fireplace4 ,b1 z
 y value y\r peace ( m9d1 d n fool )    
mat*es4  ,x w be a little difficult to  

turn y\r m9d f ! concept ( fire1 to :i* 
all ^! prep>ations h compell+ly l$      
x--especially z a fire is ! "o *e]ful ?+
 y\r we>9ess ne$s ! mo/ at ?is "t (     
day--b y mu/ d s4 ,leave ev]y?+ j z x   
is1 & unpack y\r provisions4  ,fir/ (   
all1 r9se y\r ut5sils4 ,hang y\r        
tea-pail1 ) ! prop] quantity ( wat]1 f  
"o slant+ pole1 & y\r kettle f ! o!r4   
,salt ! wat] 9 ! latt] receptacle4 ,peel
 y\r potatoes1 if y h any2 op5 y\r      
little provision sacks2 puncture y\r t9 
cans1 if y h any2 slice y\r bacon2 clean
 y\r fi%2 pluck y\r birds2 mix y\r d\gh 
or batt]2 spread y\r table t9w>e on y\r 
t>paul9 or a %eet ( bir* b>k2 cut a     
kettle-lift]2 see t ev]y?+ y are go+ to 
ne$ is )9 direct rea* ( y\r h& z y squat
 on y\r heels be=e ! fireplace4 ,n[     
light y\r fire4  ,! civiliz$ me?od is to
 build a fire & !n to t\* a mat* to !   
complet$ /ructure4 ,if well done & 9 a  
grate or /eve1 ?is works beautifully4   
,only 9 ! woods y h no grate4 ,! only   
sure way is z foll[s3 ,hold a piece (   

bir* b>k 9 y\r h&4 ,%elt] y\r mat* all y
 "k h[4 ,:5 ! b>k has caught1 lay x 9   
y\r fireplace1 assi/ x ) m b>k1 &       
gradually build up1 twig by twig1 /ick  
by /ick1 f ! fir/ p9-po9t ( flame1 all !
 fire y are go+ to ne$4 ,x w n be mu*4  
,! little hot blaze ris+ betwe5 !       
p>allel logs directly aga9/ ! alum9ium (
 y\r ut5sils w d ! bus9ess 9 a v %ort   
ord]4 ,9 fifte5 m9utes at mo/ y\r meal  
is ready4 ,& y h be5 able to atta9 to   
hot food ?us quickly because y 7 prep>$4
  ,9 case ( v wet wea!r ! affair is     
alt]$ some:at4 ,if ! ra9 has j comm5c$1 
d n /op to cle> out v ?or\ghly1 b get   
y\r t5t up z quickly z possible1 9 ord] 
to pres]ve an area ( comp>atively dry   
gr\nd4 ,b if ! e>? is already soak$1 y  
_h be/ build a bonfire to dry out by1   
:ile y cook ov] a small] fire a little  
di/ance remov$1 leav+ ! t5t until lat]4 
,or x may be well n to pit* ! t5t at    
all1 b to lay x across slant+ supports  
at an angle to reflect ! heat aga9/ !   
gr\nd4  ,x is no joke to light a fire 9 

! ra94 ,an ,indian c d x m easily ?an a 
:ite man1 b ev5 an ,indian has m tr\ble 
?an ! /ory-books ackn[l$ge4 ,y w ne$ a  
great] quantity ( bir* b>k1 a bigg] pile
 ( res9\s dead limbs f ! p9e trees1 &   
p]haps ! he>t ( a dead p9e /ub or /ump4 
,!n1 ) inf9ite pati5ce1 y may be able to
 tease ! flame4 ,sometimes a small dead 
bir* conta9s 9 ! wat]pro( envelope ( its
 b>k a species ( p[d]y1 dry t\*wood t   
takes ! flame readily4 ,/ill1 x is easy 
en\gh to />t a blaze--a v f9e-look+1    
*e]ful1 heal?y blaze2 ! difficulty is to
 prev5t its pet]+ out ! mom5t y\r back  
is turn$4  ,b ! dep?s ( woe are s\nd$ & 
! limit ( pati5ce rea*$ :5 y are =c$ to 
get breakfa/ 9 ! dripp+ =e/4 ,aft] !    
*ill ( e>ly dawn y are always reluctant 
9 ! be/ ( circum/ances to leave y\r     
blankets1 to fumble ) numb$ f+]s =      
mat*es1 to h&le cold /eel & slipp]y fi%4
 ,b :5 e leaf1 twig1 sapl+1 & tree      
conta9s a d\*e ( cold wat]2 :5 ! wetness
 oozes ab\t y\r moccas9s f ! soggy e>? )
 e /ep y take2 :5 y look ab\t y &       

realize t someh[1 be=e y c get a m\?ful 
to bani% t be=e-breakfa/ ill-hum\r1 y   
mu/ brave cold wat] 9 an attempt to f9d 
en\gh fuel to cook )1 !n y\r philosophy 
& e>ly religi\s tra9+ avail y little4 ,!
 fir/ n9ety-n9e times y are =c$ to d ?is
 y w probably squirm circumspectly ?r\gh
 ! bu% 9 a va9 attempt to avoid %ak+    
wat] d[n on y\rself2 y w res5t ea*      
failure to d s1 & at ! end y\r rage w   
p]sonify ! wild]ness = ! purpose ( "o   
sweep+ ana!ma4 ,! hundr$? "t w br+ y    
wisdom4 ,y w d ! ana!ma--rueful r ?an   
enrag$--f ! t5t op5+4 ,!n y w plunge    
boldly 9 & get wet4 ,x is n pleasant1 b 
x has to be done1 & y w save mu* temp]1 
n to speak ( "t4  ,dick & ,i e>n$ our   
diplomas at ?is sort ( "w4 ,x ra9$      
twelve ( ! fir/ f\rte5 days we 7 out4   
,t[>ds ! end ( t two weeks ,i d\bt if   
ev5 an ,indian c\ld h discov]$ a dry    
/ick ( wood 9 ! entire c\ntry4 ,! l& 0 (
 ,laur5tian rock =mation1 runn+ 9       
p>allel ridges ( b>e /one sep>at$ by    
holl[s c>pet$ ) a ?9 lay] ( e>?4 ,!     

ridges 7 naturally ill-adapt$ to camp+1 
& ! cup holl[s spe$ily fill$ up ) wat]  
until !y became mo/ cr$itable little    
m>%es4 ,(t5 we hunt$ = an h\r or s be=e 
we c\ld f9d any sort ( a spot to pit*   
our t5t4 ,z = a fire1 x 0 a matt] (     
*opp+ d[n dead trees l>ge en\gh to h    
rema9$ dry inside1 ( armfuls ( bir* b>k1
 & ( ! pati5t dry+ out1 by repeat$      
ignition1 ( en\gh fuel to cook v simple 
meals4 ,( c\rse we c\ld h kept a big    
fire go+ easily en\gh1 b we 7 travell+  
/eadily & _h n ! "t = t4 ,9 ^! try+     
circum/ances1 ,dick %[$ t1 no matt] h[  
mu* ( a t5d]foot he might be1 he 0 game 
en\gh "u /ress4  ,b to return to our    
pleasant aft]noon4 ,:ile y are consum+ !
 supp] y w hang ov] "s wat] to heat = ! 
di%-wa%+1 & ! di%-wa%+ y w att5d to !   
mom5t y h f9i%$ eat+4 ,d n commit !     
fallacy ( sitt+ d[n = a little re/4     
,bett] f9i% ! job completely :ile y are 
ab\t x4 ,y w appreciate leisure s mu* m 
lat]4 ,9 lack ( a wa%-rag y w f9d t a   
bun* ( tall grass b5t d\ble makes an    

ideal swab4  ,n[ bru% ! flies f y\r t5t1
 drop ! mosquito-pro( l9+1 & enjoy      
y\rself4 ,! :ole task1 f fir/ to la/1   
has consum$ b a little ov] an h\r4 ,& y 
are ?r\gh = ! day4  ,9 ! woods1 z n[h]e 
else1 y w e>n y\r leisure only by       
=e?\ght4 ,make no move until y "k x     
foll[s ! l9e ( greate/ economy4 ,to     
putt] is to wall[ 9 endless desolation4 
,if y _c move directly & swiftly &      
c]ta9ly along ! l9e ( lea/ resi/ance 9  
ev]y?+ y d1 take a guide ) y2 y are n ( 
! woods p4 ,y w nev] enjoy do+ =        
y\rself1 = y\r days w be cramm$ ) un5d+ 
lab\r4  ,x is b a little aft] sev54 ,!  
long crimson %ad[s ( ! ,nor? ,c\ntry are
 lift+ across ! aisles ( ! =e/4 ,y sit  
on a log1 or lie on y\r back1 & bl[     
cont5t$ cl\ds /raight up into ! air4    
,no?+ c di/urb y n[4 ,! wild]ness is    
y\rs1 = y h tak5 f x ! ess5tials (      
primitive civilization--%elt]1 w>m?1 &  
food4 ,an h\r ago a ra9/orm w\ld h be5 a
 m9or cata/rophe4 ,n[ y d n c>e4 ,bl[   
high1 bl[ l[1 y h made = y\rself an     

abid+-place1 s t ! signs ( ! sky are    
less important to y ?an to ! city dwell]
 :o wond]s if he %\ld take an umbrella4 
,f y\r door/ep y c look placidly out on 
! great unkn[n4 ,! noises ( ! =e/ draw  
close ab\t y _! circle ( my/]y1 b !     
circle _c break ^u y1 = "h y h conjur$ !
 homely s\nds ( kettle & crackl+ flame  
to keep w>d4 ,?rong+ d[n ?r\gh !        
twilight /eal ! jeal\s woodl& %ad[s1    
awful 9 ! sublimity ( ! ,sil5t ,places1 
b at ! s5try outpo/s ( y\r firelit trees
 !y pause l wild animals1 hesitat+ to   
advance4 ,! wild]ness1 untam$1 dreadful 
at night1 is all ab\t2 b ?is "o little  
spot y h reclaim$4 ,"h is some?+ be=e   
unkn[n to ! e]ie spirits ( ! woods4 ,z y
 sleepily knock ! a%es f ! pipe1 y look 
ab\t on ! famili> sc5e ) accu/om$       
satisfaction4 ,y are at home4     ,v4   
,,on ,,ly+ ,,awake ,,at ,,night4  ,:o   
ha? la9 alone to he> ! wild goose cry8  
,ab\t once 9 s (t5 y are due to lie     
awake at night4 ,:y ?is is s ,i h nev]  
be5 able to discov]4 ,x app>5tly comes f

 no pr$ispos+ uneas9ess ( indige/ion1 no
 ra%ness 9 ! matt] ( too mu* tea or     
tobacco1 no excitation ( unusual incid5t
 or /imulat+ conv]sation4 ,9 fact1 y    
turn 9 ) ! expectation ( r a good       
night's re/4 ,almo/ at once ! little    
noises ( ! =e/ gr[ l>g]1 bl5d 9 ! holl[ 
bigness ( ! fir/ dr[se2 y\r ?\ghts drift
 idly back & =? betwe5 reality & dream2 
:5--snap6--y are broad awake6  ,p]haps !
 res]voir ( y\r vital =ces is full to ! 
ov]fl[ ( a little wa/e2 or p]haps1 m    
subtly1 ! great ,"m insi/s ?us t y ent] 
! temple ( h] l>g] my/]ies4  ,=1 unlike 
m]e insomnia1 ly+ awake at night 9 !    
woods is pleasant4 ,! eag]1 n]v\s /ra9+ 
= sleep gives way to a delici\s         
indiff]5ce4 ,y d n c>e4 ,y\r m9d is     
cradl$ 9 an exquisite poppy-susp5sion ( 
judgm5t & ( ?\ght4 ,impressions slip    
vaguely into y\r consci\sness & z       
vaguely out aga94 ,sometimes !y /& />k &
 nak$ = y\r inspection2 sometimes !y    
lose !mselves 9 ! mid/ ( half-sleep4    
,always !y lay s(t velvet f+]s on !     

dr[sy imag9ation1 s t 9 _! c>ess+ y feel
 ! va/] spaces f :i* !y h come4         
,peaceful-brood+ y\r faculties receive4 
,he>+1 sight1 smell--all are            
pret]naturally ke5 to :atev] ( s\nd &   
sight & woods p]fume is abroad ?r\gh !  
night2 & yet at ! same "t active        
appreciation dozes1 s ^! ?+s lie on x   
sweet & cloy+ l fall5 rose leaves4  ,9  
su* circum/ance y w he> :at ! voyageurs 
call ! voices ( ! rapids4 ,_m p nev] he>
 !m at all4 ,!y speak v s(t & l[ &      
di/9ct b5ea? ! /eady ro> & da%+1 b5ea?  
ev5 ! less] t9kl+s & gurgl+s ^: quality 
sup]imposes !m ov] ! l\d] s\nds4 ,!y are
 l ! te>-=ms swimm+ across ! field (    
vision1 :i* disappe> s quickly :5 y     
conc5trate y\r sight to look at !m1 &   
:i* reappe> s magically :5 aga9 y\r gaze
 turns vacant4 ,9 ! /illness ( y\r hazy 
half-consci\sness !y speak2 :5 y b5d y\r
 att5tion to li/51 !y are gone1 & only !
 tumults & ! t9kl+s rema94  ,b 9 !      
mom5ts ( _! audibility !y are v di/9ct4 
,j z (t5 an od\r w wake all a vani%$    

memory1 s ^! voices1 by ! =ce ( a l>ge  
impressionism1 sugge/ :ole sc5es4 ,f> (f
 are ! cl+-clang-cl+ ( *imes & !        
swell-&-fall murmur ( a multitude en    
fte1 s t subtly y feel ! gray old t[n1 )
 its walls1 ! cr[d$ m>ketplace1 ! dec5t 
peasant cr[d1 ! boo?s1 ! mell[ *ur*     
build+ ) its bells1 ! w>m1 du/-mot$ sun4
 ,or1 9 ! pauses betwe5 ! swi%-da%-da%+s
 ( ! wat]s1 s\nd fa9t & cle> voices s++ 
int]mitt5tly1 calls1 di/ant notes (     
laught]1 z ?\gh _m canoes 7 work+ aga9/ 
! curr5t2 only ! flotilla nev] gets any 
ne>]1 nor ! voices l\d]4 ,! voyageurs   
call ^! mi/ p ! ,huntsm51 & look        
fright5$4 ,to ea* is 8 vision1 accord+  
to 8 exp]i5ce4 ,! nations ( ! e>? :isp] 
to _! exil$ sons ?r\gh ! voices ( !     
rapids4 ,curi\sly en\gh1 by all reports1
 !y sugge/ always peaceful sc5es--a     
h>ve/ field1 a /reet fair1 a ,sunday    
morn+ 9 a ca!dral t[n1 c>eless          
travell]s--nev] ! turmoils & /ruggles4  
,p]haps ?is is ! great ,"m's comp5sation
 9 a h>% mode ( life4  ,no?+ is m       

fanta/ically unreal to tell ab\t1 no?+ m
 concretely real to exp]i5ce1 ?an ?is   
und]note ( ! quick wat]4 ,& :5 y d lie  
awake at night1 x is always mak+ its    
unobtrusive appeal4 ,gradually its      
hypnotic spell works4 ,! di/ant *imes r+
 l\d] & ne>] z y cross ! bord]l& (      
sleep4 ,& !n outside ! t5t "s little    
woods noise snaps ! ?read4 ,an owl      
hoots1 a :ippoorwill cries1 a twig      
cracks b5ea? ! cauti\s pr[l ( "s night  
creature--at once ! yell[ sunlit ,fr5*  
mead[s puff away--y are />+ at ! blurr$ 
image ( ! moon spray+ ?r\gh ! texture ( 
y\r t5t4  ,! voices ( ! rapids h dropp$ 
into ! backgr\nd1 z h ! da%+ noises ( ! 
/ream4 ,?r\gh ! =e/ is a great sil5ce1 b
 no /illness at all4 ,! :ippoorwill sw+s
 d[n & up ! %ort curve ( 8 regul> song2 
ov] & ov] an owl says 8 rapid :oo1 :oo1 
:oo4 ,^!1 ) ! ceaseless da% ( ! rapids1 
are ! web on :i* ! night traces h] m    
delicate embroid]ies ( ! unexpect$4     
,di/ant cra%es1 s+le & impressive2      
/eal?y foot/eps ne> at h&2 ! subdu$     

scrat*+ ( claws2 a fa9t sniff6 sniff6   
sniff6 ( inquiry2 ! sudd5 cle> t9-horn  
ko-ko-ko-h ( ! little owl2 ! m\rnful1   
long-drawn-out cry ( ! loon1 in/9ct ) ! 
_s ( lonel9ess2 ! e!real call-note ( !  
birds ( passage high 9 ! air2 a patt]1  
patt]1 patt] among ! dead leaves1       
imm$iately /ill$2 & !n at ! la/1 f !    
?icket close at h&1 ! beautiful silv]   
purity ( ! :ite-?roat$ sp>r[--!         
night+ale ( ! ,nor?--trembl+ ) ! ec/asy 
( beauty1 z ?\gh a %imm]+ moonbeam _h   
turn$ to s\nd2 & all ! :ile ! blurr$    
figure ( ! moon m\nt+ to ! ridge-l9e (  
y\r t5t--^! ?+s comb9e subtly1 until at 
la/ ! great ,sil5ce ( :i* !y are a "p   
ov]>*es ! night & draws y =? to         
contemplation4  ,no bev]age is m        
grateful ?an ! cup ( spr+ wat] y dr9k at
 su* a "t2 no mom5t m refre%+ ?an t 9   
:i* y look ab\t y at ! d>k5$ =e/4 ,y h  
ca/ f y ) ! w>m blanket ! dr[s9ess (    
dreams4 ,a coolness1 physical &         
spiritual1 ba!s y f head to foot4 ,all  
y\r s5ses are key$ to ! la/ vibrations4 

,y he> ! littl] night pr[l]s1 y glimpse 
! great]4 ,a fa9t1 se>*+ woods p]fume ( 
dampness greets y\r no/rils4 ,& someh[1 
my/]i\sly1 9 a mann] n to be und]/ood1 !
 =ces ( ! _w seem 9 susp5se1 z ?\gh a   
t\* might cry/allize inf9ite            
possibilities into inf9ite p[] & motion4
 ,b ! t\* lacks4 ,! =ces hov] on ! edge 
( action1 unhe$+ ! little noises4 ,9 all
 humbl5ess & awe1 y are a dwell] ( !    
,sil5t ,places4  ,at su* a "t y w meet )
 adv5tures4 ,"o night we put f\rte5     
inquisitive porcup9es out ( camp4 ,ne>  
,m',gregor's ,bay ,i discov]$ 9 ! l>ge  
grass p>k ( my camp-site n9e de]1 cropp+
 ! h]bage l s _m beautiful gho/s4 ,a    
fri5d tells me ( a fawn t e night us$ to
 sleep outside 8 t5t & )9 a foot ( 8    
head1 probably by way ( protection aga9/
 wolves4 ,its "m _h 9 all likelihood be5
 kill$4 ,! in/ant my fri5d mov$ t[>d !  
t5t op5+ ! little creature w\ld         
disappe>1 & x 0 always gone by e>lie/   
daylight4 ,nocturnal be>s 9 se>* ( pork 
are n uncommon4 ,b ev5 ?\gh y\r int]e/  

meets no?+ b ! bats & ! woods %ad[s & ! 
/>s1 t few mom5ts ( ! sleep+ _w =ces is 
a psy*ical exp]i5ce to be ga9$ 9 no o!r 
way4 ,y _c "k ! night by sitt+ up2 %e w 
sit up ) y4 ,only by com+ into h]       
pres5ce f ! bord]s ( sleep c y meet h]  
face to face 9 h] intimate mood4  ,!    
night w9d f ! riv]1 or f ! op5 spaces ( 
! wilds1 *ills y aft] a "t4 ,y beg9 to  
?9k ( y\r blankets4 ,9 a few mom5ts y   
roll y\rself 9 _! s(t wool4 ,in/antly x 
is morn+4  ,&1 /range to say1 y h n to  
pay by go+ ?r\gh ! day unrefre%$4 ,y may
 feel l turn+ 9 at eight in/ead ( n9e1 &
 y may fall asleep ) unusual            
promptitude1 b y\r j\rney w beg9        
cle>-head$ly1 proce$ spr+ily1 & end )   
mu* 9 res]ve4 ,no languor1 no dull      
heada*e1 no exhau/ion1 foll[s y\r       
exp]i5ce4 ,= ?is once y\r two h\rs (    
sleep h be5 z effective z n9e4     ,,vi4
  ,,! ',,lunge4  ,d y "k ! *os5 wat] :]e
 ! ouanani*e is wait+8   ,dick & ,i     
travell$ 9 a fifte5-foot wood5 canoe1 ) 
grub1 duffel1 t5t1 & ,deuce1 !          

black-&-:ite sett] dog4 ,z a consequ5ce 
we 7 pretty well d[n t[>d ! wat]-l9e1 = 
we _h n realiz$ t a wood5 canoe w\ld    
c>ry s little weight = its l5g? 9       
comp>ison ) a bir*-b>k4 ,a good heavy   
sea we c\ld ride--) prop] managem5t & a 
little bal+2 b sloppy waves kept u busy4
  ,deuce did n l x at all4 ,he 0 a dog  
old 9 ! wisdom ( exp]i5ce4 ,x _h tak5   
him j tw5ty m9utes to le>n all ab\t     
canoes4 ,aft] a s+le t5tative trial he  
jump$ lightly to ! v c5tre ( 8 place1 ) 
! li! caution ( a cat4 ,!n if ! wat]    
happ5$ to be smoo?1 he w\ld sit gravely 
on 8 haun*es1 or w\ld re/ 8 *9 on !     
gunwale to contemplate ! pass+ l&scape4 
,b 9 r\gh wea!r he cr\*$ directly ov] ! 
keel1 8 nose betwe5 8 paws1 & tri$ n to 
dodge :5 ! cold wat] da%$ 9 on him4     
,deuce 0 a true woodsman 9 t respect4   
,discom=t he always bore ) equanimity1 &
 he mu/ (t5 h be5 v cold & v cramp$4  ,=
 j ov] a week we _h be5 travell+ 9 op5  
wat]1 & ! elem5ts _h n be5 k9d to u at  
all4 ,we _h crept up "u rock-cliff      

po9ts2 _h wea!r$ ! rips ( :ite wat] to  
%elt] on ! o!r side2 _h /ruggl$ across  
op5 spaces :]e ea* wave 0 s+ly a problem
 to fail 9 ^: solution meant in/ant     
swamp+2 _h bal$1 & s*em$1 & figur$1 &   
c>ri$1 & sworn1 & tri$ aga91 & succe$$ )
 ab\t two cupfuls to sp>e1 until we z   
well z ,deuce _h gr[n a little tir$ ( x4
 ,= ! lu/ ( travel 0 on u4  ,! lu/ (    
travel is a v real disease4 ,x usually  
takes y :5 y h made up y\r m9d t !re is 
no hurry4 ,its pr$ispos+ cause is a *>t 
or map1 & its ma9 symptom is ! fev]i%   
delight ) :i* y *eck (f ! l&m>ks ( y\r  
j\rney4 ,a fair w9d ( "s =ce is         
absolutely fatal4 ,) t at y\r back y _c 
/op4 ,good fi%+1 f9e sc5]y1 int]e/+     
bays1 reput$ game1 ev5 camps :]e fri5ds 
might be visit$--all pass swiftly a/]n4 
,h>dly d y pause = lun* at noon4 ,! mad 
joy ( putt+ c\ntry beh9d y eats all o!r 
int]e/s4 ,y recov] only :5 y h come to  
y\r j\rney's end a week too e>ly1 & mu/ 
!n se>* out new voyages to fill 9 ! "t4 
,all ?is morn+ we _h be5 buck+ a /rong  

nor? w9d4 ,=tunately1 ! %elt] ( a /r+ ( 
isl&s _h giv5 u smoo? wat] en\gh1 b !   
heavy gu/s sometimes /opp$ u z          
effectively z ?\gh we _h butt$ solid l&4
 ,n[ ab\t noon we came to ! la/ isl&1 & 
look$ out on a five-mile /ret* ( tumbl+ 
seas4 ,we l&$ ! canoe & m\nt$ a high    
rock4  ,c't make x l ?is1 said ,i4 ,i'll
 take ! outfit ov] & l& x1 & come back =
 y & ! dog4 ,let's see t *>t4  ,we hid  
beh9d ! rock & spread out ! map4  ,f\r  
miles1 measur$ ,dick4 ,x's go+ to be a  
t]ror4  ,we look$ at ea* o!r vaguely1   
sudd5ly tir$4  ,we c't camp "h--at ?is  
"t ( day1 object$ ,dick1 to our unspok5 
?\ghts4  ,& !n ! map gave him an        
inspiration4 ,"h's a little riv]1       
rum9at$ ,dick1 t goes to a little lake1 
& !n !re's ano!r little riv] t fl[s f ! 
lake & comes out ab\t t5 miles above "h4
  ,x's a good ?irty miles1 ,i object$4  
,:at ( x8 ask$ ,dick calmly4  ,s !      
fev]-lu/ ( travel broke4 ,we turn$ to ! 
"r beh9d ! la/ isl&1 se>*$ out !        
re$-gr[n op5+ to ! /ream1 & paddl$      

s]5ely & philosophically aga9/ ! curr5t4
 ,deuce sat up & yawn$ ) a mighty       
satisfaction4  ,we _h be5 b5d+ our heads
 to ! demon ( w9d2 our e>s _h be5 fill$ 
) 8 %\t+s1 our eyes bl9d$ ) te>s1 our   
brea? caught away f u1 our muscles /rung
 to ! fi]ce/ endeav\r4 ,sudd5ly we f\nd 
ourselves betwe5 ! ranks ( tall =e/     
trees1 ba!d 9 a w>m sunlight1 glid+ l a 
fea!r f "o grassy b5d to ano!r ( !      
lazie/ little /ream t ev] hesitat$ z to 
:i* way ! grasses ( its b$ %\ld float4  
,z = ! w9d1 x 0 lo/ some:]e away up     
high1 :]e we c\ld he> x mutt]+ to itself
 ab\t some?+4  ,! woods lean$ ov] ! fr+e
 ( bu%es cool & gre5 & sil5t4           
,occasionally ?r\gh t9y op5+s we caught 
in/ant impressions ( /raight column     
trunks & transp>5t %ad[s4 ,m9iature     
grass m>%es jutt$ out f ! b5ds ( !      
little riv]4 ,we idl$ along z ) a homely
 ru/ic companion ?r\gh ! alo(ness (     
patrician multitudes4  ,e b5d (f]$ u    
*>m+ surprises4 ,sometimes a muskrat    
swam ha/ily 9 a po9t$ furr[ ( ripple2   

vani%+ w+s1 b>ely s5s$ 9 ! fla%1 left u 
/>+2 /eal?y )drawals ( creatures1 ^:    
pres5ce we realiz$ only 9 ! fact ( ^?   
)drawals1 sn>$ our eag] int]e/2         
porcup9es rattl$ & ru/l$ importantly &  
regally f ! wat]'s edge to ! woods2     
h]ons1 rav5s1 an occasional duck1 croak$
 away at our approa*2 ?rice we surpris$ 
eagles1 once a tassel-e>$ ,canada lynx4 
,or1 if all else lack$1 we /ill exp]i5c$
 ! little ?rill ( pleas$ novelty ov] !  
disclosure ( a gr\p ( silv]y bir*es on a
 knoll2 a magnific5t :ite p9e t[]+ ov] !
 bee* & maple =e/2 ! unexpect$ aisle ( a
 long1 /raight /ret* ( ! little riv]4   
,deuce approv$ ?or\ghly4 ,he /ret*$     
himself & yawn$ & %ook (f ! wat]1 &     
glanc$ at me op5-m\!d ) doggy           
good-nature1 & set himself to acquir+ a 
consci5ti\s olfactory k ( bo? banks ( ! 
riv]4 ,i d n d\bt he knew a great deal m
 ab\t x ?an we did4 ,porcup9es ar\s$ 8  
special en?usiasm4 ,incid5tally1 two    
days lat] he return$ to camp aft] an    
exp$ition ( 8 own1 bri/l+ z to ! face ) 

t animal's b>b$ weapons4 ,!nce=w>d 8    
int]e/ wan$4  ,we asc5d$ ! *>m+ little  
riv] two or ?ree miles4 ,at a %>p b5d to
 ! ea/ a huge %eet ( rock slop$ f a r\nd
 grass knoll sp>sely plant$ ) bir*es    
directly d[n into a pool4 ,two or ?ree  
tree trunks jamm$ directly opposite _h  
=m$ a sort ( half dam "u :i* ! wat] lay 
d>k4 ,a t9y grass mead[ =ty feet 9      
diamet] n>r[$ ! /ream to half its wid?4 
,we l&$4 ,dick seat$ himself on ! %elv+ 
rock4 ,i put my fi%-rod toge!r4 ,deuce  
disappe>$4  ,deuce always disappe>$     
:5ev] we l&$4 ,) nose d[n1 h9d qu>t]s   
well tuck$ "u him1 e>s fly+1 he qu>t]$ !
 =e/ at high spe$1 inve/igat+ e nook &  
cranny ( x = ! radius ( a qu>t] ( a     
mile4 ,:5 he has q satisfi$ himself t we
 7 safe = ! mom5t1 he w\ld return to !  
fire1 :]e he w\ld lie1 six in*es ( p9k  
tongue vibrat+ ) brea?lessness1         
beautiful 9 ! consci\sness ( virtue4    
,dick g5]ally sat on a rock & ?\ght4 ,i 
g5]ally fi%$4  ,aft] a "t ,deuce        
return$4 ,i gave up flies1 spoons1      

phantom m9n[s1 artificial frogs1 &      
crayfi%4 ,z ,dick cont9u$ to sit on !   
rock & ?9k1 we bo? jo9$ him4 ,! sun 0 v 
w>m & grateful1 & ,i am sure we bo?     
acquir$ an add$ respect = ,dick's       
judgm5t4  ,j :5 x happ5$ nei!r ( u 0    
aft]w>ds able to decide4 ,p]haps ,deuce 
knew4 ,b sudd5ly1 z (t5 a figure appe>s 
9 a c9ematograph1 ! dim9utive mead[     
?irty feet away conta9$ two de]4 ,!y    
/ood knee-deep 9 ! grass1 wagg+ _!      
little tails 9 impati5ce ( ! flies4     
,look a' !re6 /amm]$ ,dick al\d4  ,deuce
 sat up on 8 haun*es4  ,i />t$ = my     
cam]a4  ,! de] did n seem to be 9 !     
slighte/ degree al>m$4 ,!y po9t$ f\r big
 e>s 9 our direction1 ate a few         
leisurely m\?fuls ( grass1 saunt]$ to ! 
/ream = a dr9k ( wat]1 wagg$ _! little  
tails "s m1 & quietly fad$ into ! cool  
%ad[s ( ! =e/4  ,illu/ration3 ,,at ,,su*
 ,a ,,"t ,,y ,,w ,,meet ,,) ,,adv5tures4
  ,an h\r lat] we ran out into re$s1 & s
 to ! lake4 ,x 0 a pretty lake1         
=e/-girt4 ,across ! di/ance we made out 

a mov+ object :i* %ortly resolv$ itself 
into a bir* canoe4 ,! canoe prov$ to    
conta9 an ,indian1 an ,indian boy ( ab\t
 t5 ye>s1 a black dog1 & a bundle4 ,:5  
)9 a few rods ( ea* o!r we ceas$ paddl+1
 & drift$ by ) ! mom5tum4 ,! ,indian 0 a
 f9e-look+ man ( ab\t =ty1 8 hair b\nd )
 a r$ fillet1 8 feet incas$ 9 silk-work$
 moccas9s1 b o!rwise dress$ 9 :ite m5's 
g>m5ts4 ,he smok$ a %ort pipe1 &        
contemplat$ u gravely4  ,bo' j\'1 bo'   
j\'1 we call$ 9 ! usual d\ble-b>rell$   
,nor? ,c\ntry salutation4  ,bo' j\'1 bo'
 j\1 he repli$4  ,ke-gons8 we inquir$ z 
to ! fi%+ 9 ! lake4  h-hah1 he ass5t$4  
,we drift$ by ea* o!r )\t fur!r spee*4  
,:5 ! dec5t di/ance ( etiquette sep>at$ 
u we resum$ our paddles4  ,i produc$ a  
"y cable t]m9at$ by a trem5d\s spoon & a
 solid brass snell z ?ick z a telegraph 
wire4 ,we _h laid 9 ?is =midable        
implem5t 9 hopes ( a big muscallunge4 ,x
 _h be5 trail$ = days at a "t4 ,we _h   
become us$ to its vibration1 :i*        
actually seem$ to communicate itself to 

e fibre ( ! light canoe4 ,e once 9 a    
:ile we w\ld /op ) a j]k t w\ld ne>ly   
snap our heads (f4 ,!n we w\ld "k we _h 
hook$ ! ,am]ican cont95t4 ,we _h become 
us$ to t also4 ,x g5]ally happ5$ :5 we  
attempt$ a little bur/ ( spe$4 ,s :5 !  
canoe br\ght up s viol5tly t all our    
t9w>e roll$ on ,deuce1 ,dick 0 m]ely    
disgu/$4  ,!re %e goes aga91 he grumbl$4
 ,y've hook$ ,canada4  ,canada held     
quiesc5t = ab\t ?ree seconds4 ,!n x />t$
 due s\?4  ,suff]+ s]p5ts6 %riek$ ,dick4
  ,paddle1 y sulphurat$ idiot6 yell$ ,i4
  ,x 0 mo/ int]e/+4 ,all ,i _h to d 0 to
 hang on & try to /ay 9 ! boat4 ,dick   
paddl$ & fum$ & spla%$ wat] & got m     
excit$4 ,canada dragg$ u bodily backw>d4
  ,!n ,canada *ang$ 8 m9d & />t$ 9 our  
direction4 ,i 0 pl5ty busy tak+ 9 slack1
 s ,i did n notice ,dick4 ,dick 0       
absolutely dem5t$4 ,8 m9d automatically 
react$ 9 ! direction ( paddl+4 ,he      
paddl$1 bl9dly1 frantically4 ,canada    
came surg+ 91 8 m\? op51 8 wick$ eyes   
flam+1 a trem5d\s indi/9ct body la%+    

foam4 ,dick glanc$ once ov] 8 %\ld]1 &  
let out a frantic h[l4  ,y've got !     
sea-s]p5t6 he %riek$4  ,i turn$ to      
fumble = ! pi/ol4 ,we 7 head$ directly =
 a log /r&$ on %ore1 & ab\t t5 feet f x4
  ,dick6 ,i yell$ 9 w>n+4  ,he ?ru/ 8   
paddle out =w>d j 9 "t4 ,! /\t maple b5t
 & crack$4 ,! canoe hit ) a bump t ?rew 
u =w>d4 ,i return$ to ! "y cable4 ,x    
came 9 limp & slack4  ,we look$ at ea*  
o!r sadly4  ,no use1 sigh$ ,dick at la/4
 ,!y've nev] inv5t$ ! words1 & we'd     
upset if we kick$ ! dog4  ,i _h ! end ( 
! l9e 9 my h&s4  ,look "h6 ,i cri$4 ,t  
?ick brass wire _h be5 z cleanly bitt5  
?r\gh z ?\gh x _h be5 cut ) clipp]s4 ,he
 mu/ h caught sight ( y1 said ,i4  ,dick
 lift$ up 8 voice 9 lam5tation4 ,y _h   
f\r feet ( him out ( wat]1 he wail$1 &  
!re 0 a lot m4  ,if y _h kept cool1 said
 ,i sev]ely1 we %\ldn't h lo/ him4 ,y   
don't want to get rattl$ 9 an em]g5cy2  
!re's no s5se 9 x4  ,:at 7 y go+ to d ) 
t8 ask$ ,dick1 po9t+ to :]e ,i _h laid !
 pi/ol4  ,i 0 go+ to %oot him 9 ! head1 

,i repli$ ) dignity4 ,x's ! be/ way to  
l& !m4  ,dick laugh$ disagreeably4 ,i   
look$ d[n4 ,at my side lay our l>ge/    
iron spoon4  ,we skirt$ ! left-h& side (
 ! lake 9 sil5ce4 ,f> out f %ore ! wat] 
0 ruffl$ :]e ! w9d swept d[n1 b ) u x 0 
z /ill & calm z ! =e/ trees t look$ ov] 
into x4 ,aft] a "t we turn$ %ort to !   
left ?r\gh a v n>r[ passage betwe5 two  
m>%y %ores1 & s1 aft] a %>p b5d ( b a   
few hundr$ feet1 came into ! o!r riv]4  
,?is 0 a wide /ream1 smoo?ly hurry+1 )\t
 rapids or tumult4 ,! =e/ _h drawn to   
ei!r side to let u pass4 ,"h 7 ! wild]  
rea*es aft] ! intimacies ( ! little     
riv]4 ,across /ret*es ( m>% we c\ld see 
an occasional great blue h]on /&+       
mid-leg deep4 ,long /r+s ( ducks /ruggl$
 quack+ f invisible pools4 ,! fa9t m>%  
od\r salut$ our no/rils f ! po9t :]e !  
lily-pads fla%$ broadly1 ruffl+ 9 ! w9d4
 ,we dropp$ out ! small] spoon &        
ma/]fully l&$ a five-p\nd pick]el4 ,ev5 
,deuce bright5$4 ,he c>$ no?+ = raw fi%1
 b he knew _! possibilities4 ,t[>ds ev5+

 we ent]$ ! hilly c\ntry1 & s at ! la/  
turn$ to ! left into a s& cove :]e grew 
maples & bir*es 9 beautiful p>k ord] "u 
a hill4 ,!re we pit*$ camp1 &1 z ! flies
 lack$1 built a fri5d%ip-fire ab\t :i*  
to =ga!r :5 ! day 0 done4  ,dick /ill   
vocally regrett$ ! muscallunge told him 
( my big be>4  ,"o day1 late 9 ! summ]1 
,i 0 engag$ 9 pack+ "s supplies along an
 old fur trail nor? ( ,lake ,sup]ior4 ,i
 _h accompli%$ "o back-load1 & ) empty  
/raps 0 return+ to ! ca*e = ano!r4 ,!   
trail at "o po9t em]g$ into & cross$ an 
op5 p>k "s hundr$s ( feet 9 diamet]1 9  
:i* ! grass grew to ! height ( ! knee4  
,:5 ,i 0 ab\t halfway across1 a black   
be> arose to 8 h9d legs n t5 feet f me1 
& rem>k$ ,wo(6 9 a l\d tone ( voice4    
,n[1 if a man 7 to say wo( to y         
unexpect$ly1 ev5 9 ! =mality ( an       
,italian g>d5 or ! accu/om$ness ( a city
 /reet1 y w\ld be some:at />tl$4 ,s ,i  
w5t to camp4 ,!re ,i told !m ab\t ! be>4
 ,i tri$ to be cons]vative 9 my         
description1 because ,i did n wi% to be 

accus$ ( exagg]ation4 ,my impression ( !
 animal 0 t he & a spruce tree t grew   
ne> en\gh = ready comp>ison 7           
approximately ( ! same /ature4 ,we      
return$ to ! grass p>k4 ,aft] "s        
difficulty we f\nd a cle> footpr9t4 ,x 0
 a little l>g] ?an t made by a good-siz$
 coon4  ,s1 y see1 ,i admoni%$          
didactically1 t lunge probably 0 n q s  
l>ge z y ?\ght4  ,x may h be5 a ,*9ese  
be>1 said ,dick dreamily--a ,*9ese lady 
be> ( high degree4  ,i gave him up4     
,,vii4  ,,on ,,op5-,,wat] ,,canoe       
,,travell+4  ,x is !re t ,i am go+1 ) an
 extra h& to bail h]-- ,j "o s+le       
long-%ore loaf] t ,i "k4 ,he c take 8   
*ance ( dr[n+ :ile ,i sail & sail & sail
 h]1 ,= ! ,r$ ,gods call me out1 & ,i   
mu/ g4   ,! foll[+ morn+ ! w9d _h di$1 b
 _h be5 succe$$ by a heavy pall ( fog4  
,aft] we _h felt our way beyond ! m\? ( 
! riv] we 7 =c$ to paddle nor?-we/ by   
nor?1 9 bl9d reliance on our compass4   
,s\nds !re 7 none4 ,involunt>ily we l[]$
 our voices4 ,! inadv]t5t click ( !     

paddle aga9/ ! gunwale seem$ to         
desecrate a =eorda9$ /illness4          
,occasionally to ! "r h& or ! left we   
made out fa9t %ad[-pictures ( wood$     
isl&s t endur$ b a mom5t & !n           
delib]ately fad$ into :it5ess4 ,!y =m$  
on ! view exactly z an image develops on
 a photographic plate4 ,sometimes a fa9t
 lisp-lisp-lisp ( t9y waves aga9/ a %ore
 ne>] ?an x seem$ caution$ u anew n to  
break ! sil5ce4 ,o!rwise we 7 alone1    
intrud]s1 suff]$ 9 ! pres5ce ( a brood+ 
nature only z long z we refra9$ f       
di/urbances4  ,!n at noon ! vap\rs began
 to eddy1 to op5 mom5t>ily 9 revelation 
( vivid gre5 glimpses1 to /ream d[n !   
ris+ w9d4 ,pale sunlight da%$ fitfully  
across u l a %[]4 ,some:]e 9 !          
invisibility a duck quack$4 ,deuce      
awoke1 look$ ab\t him1 & y[-y[-y[$ 9    
doggi% relief4 ,animals und]/& ?or\ghly 
^! subtleties ( nature4  ,9 half an h\r 
! sun 0 /rong1 ! air cle> & sp>kl+1 & a 
fre%5+ w9d 0 c]tify+ our progno/ications
 ( a lively aft]noon4  ,a light canoe w 

/& almo/ any?+ 9 ! way ( a sea1 al?\gh y
 may f9d x impossible sometimes to =ce x
 9 ! direction y wi% to g4 ,a load$     
canoe w wea!r a great deal m ?an y might
 ?9k4 ,h[ev]1 only exp]i5ce 9 balance & 
9 ! nature ( waves w br+ y safely across
 a /ret* ( :itecaps4  ,) ! sea dead     
ahead y mu/ n g too fa/2 o!rwise y w dip
 wat] ov] ! b[4 ,y mu/ trim ! craft     
absolutely on an ev5 keel2 o!rwise !    
comb ( ! wave1 too light to lift y1 w   
slop 9 ov] "o gunwale or ! o!r4 ,y mu/  
be p]petually wat*+ y\r *ance to ga9 a  
foot or s betwe5 ! heavi] seas4  ,) !   
sea ov] "o b[ y mu/ paddle on ! leew>d  
side4 ,:5 ! canoe m\nts a wave1 y mu/   
all[ ! cre/ to ?r[ ! b[ (f a trifle1 b !
 mom5t x />ts d[n ! o!r slope y mu/ twi/
 y\r paddle %>ply to rega9 ! direction (
 y\r c\rse4 ,! c>e5+ t5d5cy ( ?is twi/ y
 mu/ c\nt]act by a correspond+ twi/ (   
y\r body 9 ! o!r direction4 ,!n ! holl[ 
w all[ y two or ?ree /rokes :]e) to     
assure a little progress4 ,! d\ble twi/ 
at ! v cre/ ( ! wave mu/ be v delicately

 p]=m$1 or y w %ip wat] ! :ole l5g? (   
y\r craft4  ,) ! sea abeam y mu/ simply 
paddle /raight ahead4 ,! adju/m5t is to 
be accompli%$ entirely by ! poise ( !   
body4 ,y mu/ prev5t ! capsize ( y\r     
canoe :5 cl++ to ! angle ( a wave by    
lean+ to "o side4 ,! crucial mom5t1 (   
c\rse1 is t dur+ :i* ! peak ( ! wave    
slips "u y4 ,9 case ( a break+ comb]1   
?ru/ ! flat ( y\r paddle deep 9 ! wat]  
to prev5t an upset1 & lean well to      
leew>d1 ?us pres5t+ ! side & half !     
bottom ( ! canoe to ! %ock ( wat]4 ,y\r 
recov]y mu/ be in/ant1 h[ev]4 ,if y lean
 a second too long1 ov] y g4 ,?is s\nds 
m difficult ?an x is4 ,aft] a "t y d x  
in/9ctively1 z a skat] balances4  ,) !  
sea ov] ! qu>t] y h m]ely to take c>e t 
! waves d n slue y ar\nd sidewise1 & t !
 canoe does n dip wat] on "o side or !  
o!r "u ! /ress ( y\r twi/s ) ! paddle4  
,dead a/]n is p]haps ! mo/ difficult (  
all1 = ! reason t y mu/ wat* bo?        
gunwales at once1 & mu/ pres]ve an      
absolutely ev5 keel1 9 spite ( ! fact t 

x g5]ally requires y\r utmo/ /r5g? to   
/e]4 ,9 really heavy wea!r "o man only c
 d any "w4 ,! o!r mu/ be cont5t to rema9
 pass5g]1 & he mu/ be tra9$ to absolute 
immobility4 ,no matt] h[ dang]\s a c>e5 
! canoe may take1 no matt] h[ mu* good  
cold wat] may p\r 9 ov] 8 legs1 he mu/  
resi/ 8 t5d5cy to %ift 8 weight4 ,!     
entire issue dep5ds on ! delicacy ( !   
/e]sman's adju/m5ts1 s he mu/ be giv5 e 
*ance4  ,! ma9 difficulty re/s 9 ! fact 
t su* canoe+ is a good deal l air-%ip   
travel--!re is n mu* opportunity to le>n
 by exp]i5ce4 ,9 a f\r-h\r run across an
 op5 bay y w enc\nt] some:at ov] a ?\s& 
waves1 no two ( :i* are exactly alike1 &
 any "o ( :i* c fill y up only too      
easily if x is n correctly met4 ,y\r    
exp]i5ce is call$ on to solve in/antly &
 practically a ?\s& problems4 ,no       
brea?+-space 9 :i* to recov] is p]mitt$ 
y betwe5 !m4 ,at ! end ( ! f\r h\rs y   
awak5 to ! fact t y\r eyes are /ra9$ f  
int5se conc5tration1 & t y ta/e copp]4  
,probably no?+1 h[ev]1 c m effectively  

wake y up to ! la/ fibre ( y\r physical1
 intellectual1 & n]v\s be+4 ,y are fill$
 ) an exhil>ation4 ,e muscle1 /rung     
tight1 answ]s imm$iately & accurately to
 ! slighte/ h9t4 ,y quiv] all ov] )     
re/ra9$ en]gy4 ,y\r m9d ?ru/s beh9d y ! 
problem ( ! la/ wave z soon z solv$1 &  
leaps ) insi/5t eag]ness to ! next4 ,y  
atta9 t sup]ord9>y condition :5 y\r     
faculties react in/9ctively1 l a ma*9e4 
,x is a species ( intoxication4 ,aft] a 
"t y p]sonify ea* wave2 y grapple ) x z 
) a p]sonal adv]s>y2 y exult z1 beat5 & 
brok51 x hisses away to leew>d4 ,g x1 y 
son ( a gun6 y %\t4 ,ah1 y w\ld1 w\ld y6
 ?9k y c1 d y8 & 9 ! ro> & ru% ( w9d &  
wat] y cr\* l a box] on ! def5ce1 p>ry+ 
! bl[s1 b ready at ! slighte/ op5+ to   
ga9 a /roke ( ! paddle4  ,9 su*         
circum/ances y h n ! leisure to consid] 
di/ance4 ,y are too busily engag$ 9     
slaught]+ waves to consid] y\r rate (   
progress4 ,! fact t sl[ly y are pull+ up
 on y\r objective po9t does n occur to y
 until y are )9 a few hundr$ y>ds ( x4  

,!n1 unless y are c>eful1 y are undone4 
,probably ! mo/ difficult ?+ ( all to   
le>n is t ! waves to be enc\nt]$ 9 ! la/
 hundr$ y>ds ( an op5 sweep are exactly 
z dang]\s z ^? y dodg$ s fe>fully f\r   
miles f %ore4 ,y are s ne>ly 9 t y      
unconsci\sly relax y\r ef=ts4 ,calmly1  
almo/ contemptu\sly1 a big roll] rips   
along y\r gunwale4 ,y are               
wreck$--=tunately )9 easy swimm+        
di/ance4 ,b t doesn't save y\r duffel4  
,rememb] ?is3 be j z c>eful ) ! v la/   
wave z y 7 ) ! o!rs4 ,get inside be=e y 
draw t deep brea? ( relief4  ,/rangely  
en\gh1 9 out-(-door sports1 :]e x w\ld  
seem t conv5tion w\ld re/ practically at
 ! z]o po9t1 ! bugbe> ( good =m1 al?\gh 
ma%$ & disguis$1 rises up to confuse !  
direct$ practicality4 ,! av]age man is  
w$d$ to 8 !ory4 ,he has se5 a ?+ done 9 
a c]ta9 way1 & he n only always does x t
 way himself1 b he is positively unhappy
 at see+ any "o else employ+ a diff]5t  
me?od4 ,f ! sw+ at golf to ! mann] (    
light+ a mat* 9 ! w9d1 ?is truism       

applies4 ,i rememb] once he>+ a long    
argum5t ) an ,ea/]n man on ! "q ( !     
,engli% rid+-seat 9 ! ,we/]n c\ntry4    
,y\r me?od is all v well1 said !        
,we/]n]1 = :]e x came f4 ,9 ,engl& !y   
ride to hunt1 s !y ne$ a light saddle & 
v %ort /irrups set well =w>d4 ,t helps  
!m 9 jump+4 ,b x is mo/ awkw>d4 ,out "h 
y want y\r /irrups v long & directly "u 
y1 s y\r legs hang loose1 & y dep5d on  
y\r balance & ! grip ( y\r ?ighs--n y\r 
knees4 ,x is less tir+1 & bett] s5se1 & 
inf9itely m graceful1 = x m ne>ly       
approximates ! b>eback seat4 ,in/ead (  
dep5d+ on /irrups1 y are "p ( ! horse4  
,y foll[ 8 e movem5t4 ,& z = y\r ris+   
trot1 ,i'd l to see y accompli% x safely
 on our m\nta9 trails1 :]e ! trot is !  
only gait practicable1 unless y take =  
ev] to get any:]e4 ,to all ( :i* !      
,ea/]n] f\nd no rebuttal except !1 to   
him1 entirely effici5t plea t 8 own     
me?od 0 good =m4  ,n[1 ( c\rse1 x is v  
pleasant to d ?+s always accurately1    
accord+ to ! rules ( ! game1 & if y are 

out m]ely = sport1 p]haps x is z well to
 /ick to !m4 ,b utility is ano!r matt]4 
,p]sonally1 ,i d n c>e at all to kill   
tr\t unless by ! fly2 b :5 we ne$ meat &
 !y d n ne$ flies1 ,i nev] hesitate to  
(f] !m any k9d ( doodle-bug !y may      
fancy4 ,i h ev5 at a p9* clubb$ !m to   
dea? 9 a %all[1 l&-lock$ pool4 ,"t w    
come 9 y\r op5-wat] canoe exp]i5ce :5 y 
w pull into %elt] half full ( wat]1 :5 y
 w be glad ( ! =tuity ( a *ance         
cross-wave to help y out1 :5 %e] bl9d   
luck1 or ma9 /r5g? & awkw>dness1 w be ! 
only reasons y c hone/ly give = an      
arrival1 & a batt]$ & di%evell$ arrival 
at t4 ,d n1 !re=e1 rep9e1 or bewail y\r 
awkw>dness1 or indulge 9 undue          
self-accusations ( t5d]foot4 ,me?od is  
no?+2 ! arrival is ! important ?+4 ,y   
are travell+1 & if y c make "t by ne>ly 
swamp+ y\rself1 or by dragg+ y\r craft  
across a po9t1 or by tak+ any o!r base  
advantage ( ! game's =mality1 by all    
means d s4 ,deuce us$ to solve ! problem
 ( com=t by dr9k+ ! little pool ( cold  

wat] 9 :i* he sometimes 0 =c$ to lie4 ,9
 ! woods1 :5 a ?+ is to be done1 d n    
consid] h[ y h done x1 or h[ y h se5 x  
done1 or h[ y ?9k x ought to be done1 b 
h[ x c be accompli%$4 ,absolute fluidity
 ( exp$i5t1 p]fect adaptability1 is wor?
 a doz5 volumes ( !oretical k4 ,if y c't
 talk1 goes ! ,we/]n expression1 raise a
 yell2 if y c't yell1 make signs2 if y  
c't make signs1 wave a bu%4  ,& d n be  
too ready to take advice z to :at y c or
 _c accompli%1 ev5 f ! woods p4 ,( c\rse
 ! woods ,indians or ! voyageurs "k all 
ab\t canoes1 & y w\ld d well to li/5 to 
!m4 ,b ! m]e fact t y\r int]locutor     
lives 9 ! =e/1 :ile y normally inhabit !
 t[ns1 does n necess>ily give him       
au?ority4 ,a community us$ to horses    
looks ) horror on ! in/ability ( all    
wat] craft less solid ?an canal boats4  
,canoem5 /& 9 awe ( ! bronco4 ,! fi%]m5 
( ! ,georgian ,bay1 accu/om$ to v5ture  
out ) _! op5 sailboats 9 wea!r t =ces ! 
big lake s*oon]s to %elt]1 "k absolutely
 no?+ ab\t canoes4 ,dick & ,i made an   

eight-mile run f ! ,fox isl& to         
,kill>ney 9 a trifl+ sea1 to be *e]$    
dur+ our /ay at ! latt] place by doleful
 pr$ictions ( an e>ly dr[n+4 ,& ?is f a 
seaf>+ community4 ,x knew all ab\t      
boats2 x knew no?+ ab\t canoes2 & yet ! 
un?9k+ might h be5 influ5c$ by ! advice 
( ^! m5 simply because !y _h be5 br\ght 
up on ! wat]4 ,! po9t is obvi\s4 ,d n   
attempt a ?+ unless y are sure (        
y\rself2 b d n rel9qui% x m]ely because 
"s "o else is n sure ( y4  ,! be/ way to
 le>n is ) a ba?+-suit4 ,keep ne> %ore1 
& try ev]y?+4 ,don't attempt ! real ?+  
until y\r h&l+ 9 a heavy sea has become 
z in/9ctive z snap-%oot+ or ! /eps (    
danc+4 ,rema9 on ! hi!r side ( caution  
:5 y />t out4 ,act at fir/ z ?\gh e     
wavelet w\ld surely swamp y4 ,ext5d !   
scope ( y\r op]ations v gradually1 until
 y "k j :at y c d4 ,nev] get c>eless4   
,nev] take any real *ances4 ,t's all4   
,,viii4  ,,! ,,/r&$ ,,/rang]s4   ,z we  
progress$1 ! c\ntry grew m & m solemnly 
alo(4 ,9 ! ,s\?l& is a c]ta9 appe>ance (

 mobility1 l5t by ! decidu\s trees1 !   
w>m sun1 ! intimate nooks 9 :i* gr[ !   
common] homely we$s & fl[]s1 ! abundance
 ( bees & musical insects1 ! *ildhood   
famili>ity ( ! well-kn[n birds1 ev5 !   
pleasantly fickle aspects ( ! skies4 ,b 
! ,nor? wraps itself 9 a mantle ( awe4  
,great hills re/ n s mu* 9 ! /illness ( 
sleep z 9 ! calm ( a mighty             
compreh5sion4 ,! p9es1 rank aft] rank1  
file aft] file1 are always troop+       
some:]e1 up ! slope1 to pause at ! cre/ 
be=e desc5d+ on ! o!r side into !       
unkn[n4 ,bodies ( wat] exactly ( ! size1
 %ape1 & g5]al appe>ance we are accu/om$
 to see dott$ ) pleasure craft & bord]$ 
) :>ves1 summ] cottages1 pavilions1 &   
hotels1 acc5tuate by t v fact a solitude
 t h>b\rs only a pair ( weirdly laugh+  
loons4 ,l ! hills1 ^! lakes are ly+ 9 a 
deep1 /ill repose1 b a repose t someh[  
sugge/s ! compreh5d+ calm ( ^? beh9d !  
veil4 ,! :ole c\ntry seems to re/ 9 a   
susp5se ( wait+4 ,a %ot breaks !        
/illness = an in/ant1 b its v memory is 

%ad[y a mom5t aft] ! e*oes die4         
,inevitably ! travell] feels ?ru/ 9 ^u  
himself by a neutrality m deadly ?an op5
 ho/ility w\ld be4 ,ho/ility at lea/    
supposes recognition ( 8 exi/5ce1 a r\s+
 ( =ces to oppose him4 ,?is ignores4 ,"o
 c no long] wond] at ! taciturnity ( !  
m5 :o dwell "h2 nor does "o fail to     
grasp ! em95t suitability to ! c\ntry ( 
its ,indian "n--! ,sil5t ,places4  ,ev5 
! birds1 joyful1 lively1 commonplace    
little p t !y are1 draw "s ( ?is        
alo(ness to !mselves4 ,! ,nor? is full (
 ! homeli] s+]s4 ,a doz5 species (      
w>bl]s lisp music-box phrases1 two or   
?ree sp>r[s :i/le a *e]ful rep]toire1 ! 
nu?at*es & *ickadees toot away 9        
blissful b\rgeoisie4 ,& yet1 someh[1 t v
 circum/ance ?ru/s ! imag9ative voyag]  
outside ! companion%ip ( _! fri5dl9ess4 
,9 ! face ( ! great gods !y move )      
accu/om$ famili>ity4 ,someh[ !y possess 
9 _! little exp]i5ce t :i* expla9s !    
my/]y1 s t !y no long] /& 9 its awe4 ,_!
 ev]yday lives are sp5t "u ! %ad[ ( !   

temple :i!r y d>e n b5d y\r foot/eps4 ,!
 intimacy ( occult ?+s isolates also ^! 
wise little birds4  ,! ,nor? speaks1    
h[ev]1 only 9 ! voices ( ?ree--! two    
?ru%es1 & ! :ite-?roat$ sp>r[4 ,y mu/   
he> ^! ea* at 8 prop] "t4  ,! h]mit ?ru%
 y w r>ely see4 ,b late "s aft]noon1 :5 
! sun is lift+ along ! trunks ( !       
h>dwood =e/1 if y are v lucky & v quiet1
 y w he> him f> 9 ! dep? ( ! blacke/    
swamps4 ,musically express$1 8 song is v
 mu* l t ( ! wood ?ru%--?ree cad5c$     
liquid notes1 a quiv]+ pause1 !n ?ree m 
notes ( ano!r phrase1 & s on4 ,b !      
f95ess ( its quality makes ( x an       
entirely diff]5t p]=mance4 ,if y        
symbolize ! h]mit ?ru% by ! flute1 y mu/
 call ! wood ?ru% a *ime ( little t9kl+ 
bells4 ,"o is a r5dition2 ! o!r ! ess5ce
 ( liquid music4 ,an effect (           
gold-embroid]$ ri*ness1 ( dep? go+ d[n  
to ! v s\l ( ?+s1 a haunt+ sugge/ion (  
hav+ t\*$ v ne> to ! s\rce ( te>s1 a    
conviction t ! j int]pretation ( ! song 
w\ld be an equally j int]pretation (    

black woods1 deep %ad[s1 cloi/]$        
sunlight1 brood+ hills--^! are ! subtle 
& elusive impressions y w receive 9 !   
middle ( ! anci5t =e/4  ,! olive-back$  
?ru% y w enjoy aft] y\r day's "w is q   
f9i%$4 ,y w see him ?r\gh ! tobacco     
haze1 p]*$ on a limb aga9/ ! ev5+ sky4  
,he utt]s a l\d joyful *irp pauses = !  
att5tion he ?us solicits1 & !n          
delib]ately runs up five mell[ d\ble    
notes1 end+ ) a metallic t+ *ee *ee *ee 
t s\nds z ?\gh x _h be5 /ruck on a      
triangle4 ,!n a sil5ce ( exactly n9e    
seconds & repeat4 ,z regul>ly z clock-"w
 ?is p]=mance goes on4 ,"t him z (t5 z y
 w1 y c nev] convict him ( a second's   
v>iation4 ,& he is s optimi/ic & will+1 
& 8 notes are s gold5 ) ! yell[ (       
sun%9e6  ,! :ite-?roat$ sp>r[ s+s n9e   
di/9ct v>iations ( ! same song4 ,he may 
s+ m1 b t is all ,i h c\nt$4 ,he        
inhabits woods1 b]ry-v9es1 bruls1 &     
cle>+s4 ,ord9>ily he is *e]ful1 &       
occasionally aggravat+4 ,"o man ,i knew 
he drove ne>ly crazy4 ,to t man he 0    

always say+1 ,& he nev] he>d ! man say  
dr9k & !----4 ,t[>d ! la/ my fri5d us$  
wildly to (f] him a ?\s& doll>s if he   
w\ld1 if he only w\ld1 f9i% t s5t5ce4 ,b
 occasionally1 9 j ! prop] circum/ances1
 he =gets 8 /ump corn]s1 8 v9es1 8 jolly
 sunlight1 & 8 delightful bugs to become
 ! intimate voice ( ! wilds4 ,x is      
night1 v /ill1 ,v d>k4 ,! subdu$ murmur 
( ! =e/ ebbs & fl[s ) ! voices ( !      
furtive folk--an und]tone fe>ful to     
break ! night calm4 ,sudd5ly across !   
dusk ( sil5ce fla%es a s+le ?read (     
silv]1 vibrat+1 trembl+ ) "s unguess$   
ec/asy ( emotion3 ,ah6 poor ,canada     
,canada ,canada ,canada6 x m\rns        
passionately1 & falls sil5t4 ,t is all4 
,y w he> at v>i\s times o!r birds       
peculi>ly ( ! ,nor?4 ,loons alt]nately  
call+ & utt]+ _! maniac laught]2 purple 
f9*es or "s ( ! p9e sp>r[s w>bl+ high & 
cle>2 ! w9t] wr51 ^: raptur\s rav+s nev]
 fail to /rike ! att5tion ( ! dulle/    
pass]2 all ^! are exclusively ,nor!rn   
voices1 & ea* expresses "s phase or mood

 ( ! ,sil5t ,places4 ,b none symbolizes 
z d ! ?ree4 ,& :5 fir/ y he> "o ( !m    
aft] an abs5ce1 y are satisfi$ t ?+s are
 "r 9 ! _w1 = ! ,nor? ,c\ntry's _s is z 
x 04  ,n[ ensu$ a spell ( calm wea!r1 ) 
a film ( haze ov] ! sky4 ,! wat] lay l  
quicksilv]1 heavy & in]t4 ,t[>d aft]noon
 x became opalesc5t4 ,! v sub/ance ( !  
liquid itself seem$ impregnat$ ) dyes   
rang+ 9 %ade f w9e col\r to ! mo/       
delicate lilac4 ,?r\gh a smoke veil !   
sun hung1 a ball ( r$1 :ile b5ea? e     
isl&1 e rock1 e tree1 e wild f[l float+ 
idly 9 a m$ium app>5tly too delicate =  
its support1 lurk$ ! beautiful crimson  
%ad[s ( ! ,nor?4  ,illu/ration3 ,,ea*   
,,wave ,,0 ,,s+ly ,a ,,problem1 ,,to    
,,fail ,,9 ,,^: ,,solution ,,meant      
,,in/ant ,,swamp+4  ,h\r aft] h\r1 day  
aft] day1 we slipp$ on4 ,po9t aft] po9t1
 isl& aft] isl&1 pres5t$ itself sil5tly 
to our inspection & dropp$ quietly a/]n4
 ,! beat ( paddles fitt$ monoton\sly    
into ! almo/ port5t\s /illness4 ,x seem$
 t we might be able to g on ?us = ev]1  

lapp$ 9 ! dream ( "s =gott5 magic t _h  
/rick5 brea?less ! life ( ! _w4 ,& !n1  
sudd5ly1 ?ree weeks on our j\rney1 we   
came to a t[n4  ,x 0 n ! typical fur t[n
 ( ! ,f> ,nor?1 b x lay at ! ?re%old4 ,a
 s+le /reet1 worn smoo? by ! feet ( m5 &
 dogs1 b innoc5t ( ho(s1 front$ !       
*annel4 ,a bo>d walk1 elevat$ aga9/ !   
sn[s1 bord]$ a r[ ( :itewa%$ log & frame
 h\ses1 ea* ) its g>d5 ( brilliant      
fl[]s4 ,a doz5 :>ves ( v>i\s sizes1 ov] 
^: edges peep$ ! d\ble ma/s ( ,mack9aw  
boats1 spoke ( a fi%+ community4 ,betwe5
 ! ro(s "o caught glimpses ( a l[ sp>se 
woods & "s ?\s&-foot hills beyond4 ,we  
subsequ5tly add$ ! *>m ( isolation 9    
le>n+ t ! ne>e/ telegraph l9e 0 fifte5  
miles di/ant1 :ile ! railroad pass$ "s  
fifty miles away4  ,dick imm$iately w5t 
wild4 ,x 0 8 fir/ glimpse ( ! mix$      
peoples4 ,a doz5 l\ng]s1 h&some1        
c>eless1 graceful ) ! inimitable        
elegance ( ! half-bre$'s leisure1 *att$1
 roll$ cig>ettes1 & survey$ ) heavy-ey$ 
indol5ce su* ( ! t[n z c\ld be view$ f !

 %ade 9 :i* !y lay4 ,?ree girls1 9 ^:   
d>k *eeks gl[$ a ri* ,fr5* comel9ess1 7 
comp>+ pur*ases ne> ! /ore4 ,a gr\p (   
riv]m51 spike-boot$1 %ort-tr\s]$1       
reckless ( air1 ) _! little r\nd hats   
ov] "o e>1 sat *air-tilt$ outside !     
hotel4 ,across ! divid+ f5ces ( two ( ! 
blazon$ g>d5s a pair ( old crones       
gossip$ "u _! brea?s4 ,"s ,indians smok$
 sil5tly at ! edge ( "o ( ! docks4 ,9 ! 
di/ance ( ! /reet's end a ,fr5* prie/   
add$ ! qua9tness ( 8 cassock to ! exotic
 atmosph]e ( ! sc5e4 ,at once a pack ( !
 fi]ce sl$ge-dogs left _! =ag+ = ! (fal 
( ! fi%]ies1 to b\nd *all5g+ 9 !        
direction ( poor ,deuce4 ,t highbr$     
animal fruitlessly attempt$ to comb9e   
dignity ) a discretion>y lurk+ betwe5   
our legs4 ,we made demon/rations )      
/icks1 & s\ght out ! hotel1 = x 0 ab\t  
"t to eat4  ,we _h supp] at a table )   
?ree ,=e/ ,rang]s1 two lumb]-jacks1 & a 
cat-l h&some bre$ ^: bus9ess did n      
appe>4 ,!n we lit up & /roll$ ab\t to   
see :at we c\ld see4  ,on ! text ( a    

pair ( brass knuckles hang+ beh9d !     
hotel b> ,i embroid]$ _m exp]i5ces ) !  
lumb]jack4 ,i told ( a ,wiscons9 t[n :]e
 an en=c$ wait ( five h\rs enabl$ me to 
e/abli% ! proportion ( f\rte5 saloons   
out ( a total ( tw5ty frame build+s4 ,i 
descant$ craftily on ! "* ( ! woodsman  
out ( ! woods & 9 ! "r frame ( m9d =    
deviltry4 ,i relat$ h[ ,jack ,boyd1     
irritat$ beyond endurance at !          
annoyances ( a /rang]1 f9ally ) ! flat (
 8 h& box$ ! man's head s mightily t he 
:irl$ ar\nd twice & sat d[n4  ,n[1 said 
,jack s(tly1 be m c>eful1 my fri5d1 or  
next "t ,i'll hit y4 ,or ( a little     
,iri%man :o %\t$ to 8 fri5ds ab\t to    
pull a big man f p\nd+ ! life q out (   
him1 ,let him alone6 let him alone6 ,i  
may be on top myself 9 a few m9utes6 ,& 
( ,dave ,walk]1 :o f\ght to a /&/ill ) 8
 b>e fi/s alone five m5 :o _h sworn to  
kill him4 ,& aga9 ( t d\ghty knight ( ! 
peavie :o1 :5 attack$ by an axe1 wav$   
aside int]f]5ce ) ! truly dauntless cry1
 ,leave him be1 boys2 !re's an axe      

betwe5 u6  ,i tri$ to sket*1 too1 !     
drive1 :]e9 a doz5 times 9 an h\r ^! m5 
face dea? ) a smile or a curse--! rag+  
untam$ riv]1 ! fi]ce ru% ( ! logs1 !    
cool little human be+s pois+ ) a c]ta9  
contemptu\s preciosity on ! edge (      
de/ruction z !y h]d _! bruti%           
multitudes4  ,!re 0 ,jimmy1 ! riv] boss1
 :o c\ld n swim a /roke1 & :o 0         
incont95tly swept ov] a dam & into !    
boil+ back-set ( ! eddy bel[4 ,?ree     
times1 gasp+1 /rangl+1 dr[n+1 he 0 c>ri$
 9 ! wide swirl ( ! circle1 sometimes   
"u1 sometimes on top4 ,!n 8 knee t\*$ a 
s&-b>1 & he dragg$ himself pa9fully     
a%ore4 ,he c\gh$ up a quantity ( wat]1 &
 gave v5t to 8 feel+s ov] a miracul\s   
escape4 ,damn x all6 he wail$1 ,i lo/ my
 peavie6  ,on ! ,pa9t ,riv] drive "o    
spr+1 said ,i1 a jam =m$ t ext5d$ up    
riv] "s ?ree miles4 ,! m5 7 work+ at !  
brea/ ( x1 "s und]nea?1 "s on top4 ,aft]
 a "t ! jam app>5tly broke1 pull$       
d[n/ream a hundr$ feet or s1 & plugg$   
aga94 ,!n x 0 se5 t only a small section

 _h mov$1 leav+ ! ma9 body /ill jamm$1 s
 t betwe5 ! two sections lay a n>r[     
/ret* ( op5 wat]4 ,into ?is op5 wat] "o 
( ! m5 _h fall54 ,be=e he c\ld recov]1 !
 second or tail section ( ! jam />t$ to 
pull4 ,app>5tly no?+ c\ld prev5t him f  
be+ cru%$4 ,a man call$ ,sam--,i don't  
"k 8 la/ "n--ran d[n ! tail ( ! fir/    
section1 across ! loose logs bobb+ 9 !  
op5 wat]1 seiz$ ! victim ( ! accid5t by 
! coll>1 desp]ately scal$ ! face ( !    
mov+ jam1 & rea*$ ! top j z ! two       
sections gr\nd toge!r ) ! bruti% noise (
 wreck+ timb]s4 ,x 0 a magnific5t       
rescue4 ,any b ^! m5 ( iron w\ld h      
adj\rn$ = ?anks & congratulations4      
,/ill reta9+ 8 hold on ! o!r man's      
coll>1 ,sam twi/$ him ab\t & deliv]$ a  
vigor\s kick4 ',!re1 damn y6' said he4  
,t 0 all4 ,!y fell to "w at once to keep
 ! jam mov+4  ,i in/anc$1 too1 "s ( !   
feats ( riv]-"w ^! m5 c\ld p]=m4 ,( h[  
,jack ,boyd has be5 kn[n to float tw5ty 
miles )\t %ift+ 8 feet1 on a log s small
 t he c>ri$ x to ! wat] on 8 %\ld]2 ( h[

 a doz5 riv]m51 "o aft] ! o!r1 w\ld (t5 
g ?r\gh ! *ute ( a dam /&+ upright on   
s+le logs2 ( ,o',donnell1 :o c\ld turn a
 som]sault on a float+ p9e log2 ( !     
birl+ mat*es1 :]e9 two m5 on a s+le log 
try to ?r[ ea* o!r into ! riv] by       
tread+1 squirrel fa%ion1 9 fa/] & fa/]  
rotation2 ( h[ a riv]man & spik$ boots &
 a saw-log c d m "w ?an an ord9>y man ) 
a r[boat4  ,i d n suppose ,dick believ$ 
all ?is--al?\gh x 0 /rictly & lit]ally  
true--b 8 imag9ation 0 impress$4 ,he    
gaz$ ) respect on ! gr\p at ! f> end ( !
 /reet1 :]e fifte5 or tw5ty lumb]-jacks 
7 int]e/$ 9 "s amusem5t conceal$ f u4   
,:at d y suppose !y are do+8 murmur$    
,dick1 awe/rick54  ,wre/l+1 or box+1 or 
gambl+1 or jump+1 said ,i4  ,we         
approa*$4 ,gravely1 sil5tly1 int5sely   
int]e/$1 ! cock-hatt$1 spike%od1 dang]\s
 m5 7 play+--croquet6  ,! sight 0 too   
mu* = our n]ves4 ,we w5t away4  ,!      
p]man5t inhabitants ( ! place we        
discov]$ to be fri5dly to a degree4  ,! 
,indian /ra9 0 evid5t 9 v>i\s dilution  

?r\gh all4 ,dick's en?usiasm grew       
/eadily until 8 arti/ic in/9cts became  
aggressive1 & he flatly ann\nc$ 8       
int5tion ( /ay+ at lea/ f\r days = !    
purpose ( mak+ sket*es4 ,we talk$ !     
matt] ov]4 ,f9ally x 0 agre$4 ,deuce &  
,i 7 to make a wide circle to ! nor? &  
we/ z f> z ! ,hudson's ,bay po/ (       
,clo*e1 :ile ,dick fill$ 8 notebook4 ,t 
night we slept 9 b$s = ! fir/ "t4  ,t is
 to say1 we slept until ab\t ?ree       
o'clock4 ,!n we became vaguely consci\s1
 ?r\gh a haze ( dr[se--z "o becomes     
consci\s 9 ! pause ( a sleep+-c>--(     
voices outside our doors4 ,"s "o said   
some?+ ab\t its be+ h>dly mu* use to g  
to b$4 ,ano!r hop$ ! %eets 7 n damp4 ,a 
succession ( lights tw9kl$ across !     
walls ( our room1 & 7 vaguely expla9$ by
 ! c\gh+ ( a /eamboat4 ,we sank into    
oblivion until ! call+-bell br\ght u to 
our feet4  ,i happ5$ to f9i% my toilet a
 little be=e ,dick1 & s desc5d$ to !    
sunlight until he might be ready4 ,roo/+
 on a gray old b\ld] t5 feet outside !  

door 7 two figures t made me want to rub
 my eyes4  ,! old] 0 a squ>e1 ruddy-fac$
 man ( sixty1 ) neatly trimm$1 sn[-:ite 
:isk]s4 ,he _h on a s(t ,alp9e hat (    
pe>l gray1 a modi%ly cut gray homespun  
suit1 a tie 9 :i* glimm]$ an opal p91   
wore tan gloves1 & _h slung ov] "o %\ld]
 by a n>r[ black /rap a pair (          
field-glasses4  ,! y\ng] 0 a tall &     
angul> "y fell[1 ( an eag] & sophomoric 
y\?4 ,8 hair 0 v light & v smoo?ly      
bru%$1 8 eyes blue & r ne>-sight$1 8    
complexion p9k1 ) an obvi\sly rec5t &   
sup]ficial sunburn1 & 8 clo!s1 f ! :ite 
,panama to ! broad-sol$ l[ %oes1 ( !    
late/ cut & mat]ial4 ,in/9ctively ,i    
s\ght 8 frat]nity p94 ,he look$ z ?\gh  
he might say ,rah6 ,rah6 some?+ or o!r4 
,a cam]a complet$ 8 outfit4  ,t\ri/s6   
,h[ 9 ! _w did !y get "h8 ,& !n ,i      
rememb]$ ! tw9kle ( ! lights & ! c\gh+ (
 ! /eamboat4 ,b :at 9 "t c\ld !y be do+ 
"h8 ,picturesque z ! place 01 x held    
no?+ to appeal to ! ,ba$ek] _s4 ,i      
survey$ ! pair ) "s int]e/4  ,i suppose 

!re is pretty good fi%+ ar\nd "h1 v5tur$
 ! eld]4  ,he evid5tly took me = an     
inhabitant4 ,rememb]+ my fad$ blue %irt 
& my floppy old hat & ! r$ h&k]*ief ab\t
 my neck & ! moccas9s on my feet1 ,i did
 n blame him4  ,i suppose !re are bass  
among ! isl&s1 ,i repli$4  ,we fell into
 conv]sation4 ,i le>n$ t he & 8 son 7 f 
,new ,york4  ,he le>n$1 by a f9al direct
 "q :i* 0 mo/ significant ( 8 n belong+ 
to ! c\ntry1 :o ,i 04 ,by *ance he knew 
my "n4 ,he op5$ 8 he>t4  ,we came d[n on
 ! ,city ( ,fl9t1 said he4 ,my son & ,i 
are on a vacation4 ,we h be5 z f> z !   
,yell[/one1 & ?\ght we w\ld l to see "s 
( ?is c\ntry4 ,i 0 assur$ t on ?is date 
,i c\ld make connection ) ! ,nor? ,/> = 
! s\?4 ,i told ! purs] ( ! ,fl9t n to   
wake u up unless ! ,nor? ,/> 0 "h at !  
docks4 ,he bundl$ u (f "h at ?ree 9 !   
morn+4 ,! ,nor? ,/> 0 n "h2 x is an     
outrage6  ,he utt]$ v>i\s ?reats4  ,i   
?\ght ! ,nor? ,/> 0 runn+ away s\? ar\nd
 ! ,p]ry ,s\nd region1 ,i sugge/$4      
,yes1 b %e 0 to beg9 to-day1 ,june #af1 

to make ?is connection4 ,he produc$ a   
railroad fold]4 ,x's 9 ?is1 he cont9u$4 
,did y g by t ?+8 ,i m>vell$4  ,:y1 (   
c\rse1 said he4  ,i =got y 7 an         
,am]ican1 said ,i4 ,y're 9 ,canada n[4  
,he look$ 8 bewild]m5t1 s ,i hunt$ up   
,dick4 ,i detail$ ! situation4 ,he      
doesn't "k ! race1 ,i conclud$4 ,soon he
 w be try+ to get in=mation out ( !     
ag5t4 ,let's be on h&4  ,we 7 on h&4 ,! 
t\ri/1 8 face v r$1 8 :isk]s v :ite &   
bri/ly1 m>*$ importantly to ! ag5t's    
(fice4 ,! latt] compris$ also !         
po/-(fice1 ! fi% depot1 & a g5]al /ore4 
,! ag5t 0 = ! mom5t dick]+ 9 re two     
p\nds ( sug>4 ,?is transaction took five
 m9utes to ! p\nd4 ,mr4 ,t\ri/ wait$4   
,!n he op5$ up4 ,! ag5t he>d him        
placidly1 z "o :o li/5s to a curi\s     
tale4  ,:at ,i want to "k is1 :]e's t   
boat8 end$ ! t\ri/4  ,c\ldn't say1      
repli$ ! ag5t4  ,ar5't y ! ag5t ( ?is   
company8  ,sure1 repli$ ! ag5t4  ,!n :y 
don't y "k some?+ ab\t its bus9ess &    
plans & int5tions8  ,c\ldn't say1 repli$

 ! ag5t4  ,d y ?9k x w\ld be any good to
 wait = ! ,nor? ,/>8 ,d y suppose !y c  
be com+8 ,d y suppose !y've alt]$ !     
s*$ule8  ,c\ldn't say1 repli$ ! ag5t4   
,:5 is ! next boat ?r\gh "h8  ,i li/5$ =
 ! answ] 9 trepidation1 = ,i saw t ano!r
 ,c\ldn't say w\ld cause ! r$-fac$ t\ri/
 to bl[ up4 ,to my relief1 ! ag5t m]ely 
inquir$1--  ,nor? or s\?8  ,s\?1 (      
c\rse4 ,i j came f ! nor?4 ,:at 9 ! "n (
 ev]la/+ blazes %\ld ,i want to g nor?  
aga9 =8  ,c\ldn't say1 repli$ ! ag5t4 ,!
 next boat s\? gets 9 next week1        
,tuesday or ,w$nesday4  ,next week6     
%riek$ ! t\ri/4  ,:5's ! next boat nor?8
 int]pos$ ! son4  ,to-morr[ morn+4  ,:at
 "t8  ,c\ldn't say2 y'd h to wat* = h]4 
,t's our boat1 dad1 said ! "y man4  ,b  
we've j come f !re6 snort$ 8 fa!r2 x's  
?ree hundr$ miles back4 ,x'll put u     
beh9d two days4 ,i've got to be 9 ,new  
,york ,friday4 ,i've got an engagem5t4  
,he turn$ sudd5ly to ! ag5t4 ,"h1 ,i've 
got to s5d a telegram4  ,! ag5t bl9k$   
placidly4 ,y'll n s5d x f "h4 ,?is a9't 

a telegraph /ation4  ,:]e's ! ne>e/     
/ation8  ,fifte5 mile4  ,)\t fur!r p>ley
 ! old man turn$ & walk$1 /iff &        
milit>y1 f ! place4 ,ne> ! end ( ! broad
 walk he met ! usual dodd]+ b amiable   
olde/ inhabitant4  ,f9e day1 *irp$ !    
patri>* 9 well-meant fri5dl9ess4 ,!y je/
 br\ght 9 a be> cub ov] to ,anto9e's4   
,if y'd l to take a look at him1 ,i'll  
%[ y :]e x is4  ,! t\ri/ /opp$ %ort &   
gl>$ fi]cely4  ,sir1 said he1 damn y\r  
be>6 ,!n he /rode on1 leav+ gr&pa />+   
aft] him4  ,9 ! c\rse ( ! morn+ we      
became q well acqua9t$1 & he resign$4 ,!
 son appe>$ to take some:at ! humor\s   
view all ?r\gh ! affair1 :i* mu/ h      
irritat$ ! old g5tleman4 ,!y discuss$ x 
r ?or\ghly1 & f9ally decid$ to retrace  
_! /eps = a fre% />t ov] a bett]-kn[n   
r\te4 ,?is settl$1 ! s5ior seem$ to feel
 reliev$ ( a weight4 ,he ev5 saw &      
reli%$ c]ta9 funny phases ( ! incid5t1  
?\gh he nev] ceas$ to =etell diff]5t    
k9ds ( tr\ble = ! company1 v>y+ 9 range 
f m]e compla9ts to ! mo/ trem5d\s (     

damage suits4  ,he 0 mu* int]e/$1       
f9ally1 9 our me?ods ( travel1 & !n1 9  
logical sequ5ce1 ) :at he c\ld see ab\t 
him4 ,he wat*$ curi\sly my load+ ( !    
canoe1 = ,i _h a ?ree-mile /ret* ( op5  
wat]1 & ! w9d 0 abroad4 ,deuce's        
empirical boat wisdom ar\s$ 8           
admiration4 ,he & 8 son 7 bo? at ! %ore 
to see me (f4  ,deuce settl$ himself 9 !
 bottom4 ,i lift$ ! /]n f ! %ore & g5tly
 set x afloat4 ,9 a mom5t ,i 0 ready to 
/>t4  ,wait a m9ute6 ,wait a m9ute6     
sudd5ly cri$ ! fa!r4  ,i swirl$ my      
paddle back4 ,! old g5tleman 0 ha/ily   
fumbl+ 9 8 pockets4 ,aft] an in/ant he  
desc5d$ to ! wat]'s edge4  ,"h1 said he1
 y are a judge ( fiction2 take ?is4  ,x 
0 8 /eamboat & railway fold]4     ,,ix4 
,,on ,,flies4   ,all ! re/ ( ! day ,i   
paddl$ "u ! fr[n+ cliffs ( ! hill       
ranges4 ,bold1 b>e1 sc>r$1 seam$ )      
fissures1 _! precipice rocks gave !     
impression ( t5 ?\s& feet r t only s _m 
hundr$s4 ,late 9 ! aft]noon we l&$ aga9/
 a =mation ( basaltic blocks cut z      

squ>ely up & d[n z a dock1 & dropp+ (f  
into z deep wat]4 ,! waves *ug-*ug-*ugg$
 sull5ly aga9/ !m1 & ! fr+e ( a d>k p9e 
=e/1 drawn back f a bread? ( natural    
grass1 l[]$ across ! horizon l a        
?und]-cl\d4  ,deuce & ,i made camp ) !  
uneasy feel+ ( be+ "u inimical          
inspection4 ,a cold w9d ruffl$ lead-l   
wat]s4 ,no com=t 0 9 ! prospect1 s we   
retir$ e>ly4 ,!n x appe>$ t ! co>se     
grass ( ! p>k _h br$ innum]able black   
flies1 & t we _h our "w cut out = u4  ,!
 "q ( flies--us+ t1 to a woodsman1      
em95tly connotive ^w 9 its wide         
embracem5t ( mosquitoes1 s&flies1       
de]-flies1 black flies1 & midges--is "o 
mu* moot$ 9 ! craft4 ,on no subject are 
m widely div]g5t ideas express$4 ,"o    
writ] claims t black flies' bites are b 
! tempor>y inconv5i5ce ( a p9-prick2    
ano!r tells ( boils la/+ a week z !     
inv>iable result ( _! att5tions2 a ?ird 
sweeps aside ! :ole "q z unimportant to 
conc5trate 8 ana!mas on ! musical       
mosquito2 /ill a f\r? descants on !     

madd5+ midge1 & is prep>$ to def5d 8    
claims aga9/ ! _w4 ,a l dogmatic        
p>tisan%ip obta9s 9 ! "q ( def5ces4 ,ea*
 & e man possess$ ( a tongue :]e) to    
speak or a p5 :]e) to write1 h]alds !   
p>ticul> m]its ( 8 own fly-dope1        
head-net1 or mosquito-pro( t5t-l9+4     
,eag] advocates ( ! advantages ( pork   
fat1 k]os5e1 p9e t>1 p5nyroyal1 oil (   
cloves1 ca/or oil1 lollacapop1 or a half
 hundr$ o!r concoctions1 w assure y1    
te>s 9 eyes1 t 8 is ! only true fai?4 ,s
 _m m51 s _m m9ds1 until ! !ori/ is     
confus$ into do+ ! mo/ uncom=table ?+   
possible--t is1 to le>n by exp]i5ce4  ,z
 = ! tru?1 x is at once 9 all ( !m & 9  
none ( !m4 ,! annoyance ( aft]-effects f
 a /+ dep5ds entirely on ! individual's 
physical makeup4 ,"s p are s poison$ by 
mosquito bites t ?ree or f\r on ! =ehead
 suffice to close entirely ! victim's   
eyes4 ,on o!rs !y leave b a small r$ m>k
 )\t swell+4 ,black flies caus$ fe/]+   
sores on "o man ,i accompani$ to !      
woods4 ,9 my own case !y leave only a   

t9y blood-spot ! size ( a p9-head1 :i*  
bo!rs me n a bit4 ,midges ne>ly drove   
crazy ! same companion ( m9e1 s t f9ally
 he jump$ into ! riv]1 clo!s & all1 to  
get rid ( !m4 ,aga91 m]ely my own       
exp]i5ce w\ld lead me to reg>d !m z a   
trem5d\s nuisance1 b "o q be>able4      
,indians are less susceptible ?an :ites2
 nev]!less ,i h se5 !m badly swell$     
beh9d ! e>s f ! bites ( ! big h>dwood   
mosquito4  ,y c make up y\r m9d to "o   
?+3 f ! fir/ w>m wea!r until ,augu/ y   
mu/ expect to cope ) insect pe/s4 ,!    
black fly w keep y busy until late      
aft]noon2 ! midges w sw>m y ab\t sunset2
 & ! mosquito w pres]ve ! tradition aft]
 y h turn$ 94 ,z = ! de]-fly1 & o!rs ( 8
 piratical bre$1 he w bite l a dog at   
any "t4  ,to me ! mo/ annoy+ species is 
! mosquito4 ,! black fly is sometimes   
mo/ indu/ri\s--,i h se5 tr\t fi%]m5 come
 into camp ) ! blood lit]ally /ream+ f  
_! faces--b 8 great recomm5dation is t  
he holds /ill to be kill$4 ,no frantic  
slaps1 no wav+ ( arms1 no muffl$ curses4

 ,y j place y\r f+] calmly & firmly on !
 spot4 ,y get him e "t4 ,9 ?is is great1
 he>t-lift+ joy4 ,x may be unholy joy1  
p]haps ev5 v5geful1 b x leaves ! _s     
ec/atic4 ,! satisfaction ( murd]+ ! bea/
 t has _h ! n]ve to light on y j z y are
 reel+ 9 almo/ c\nt]balances ! pa9 ( a  
/+4 ,! midge1 aga91 or punkie1 or       
no-see-'um1 j z y please1 sw>ms d[n ^u y
 sudd5ly & ) comm5dable vig\r1 s t y    
feel z ?\gh r$-hot pepp] 7 be+ spr9kl$  
on y\r b>e sk92 & 8 invisibility &      
intangibility are su* t y c nev] tell   
:e!r y h kill$ him or n2 b he doesn't   
la/ long1 & dope r\ts him totally4 ,y\r 
mosquito1 h[ev]1 is su* a delib]ate     
brute4 ,he has 9 him "s ( t div9e fire  
:i* causes a dog to turn ar\nd n9e times
 be=e ly+ d[n4  ,:e!r he is select+ or  
gloat+ ,i d n "k1 b ,i d ma9ta9 t !     
price ( y\r life's blood is (t5 n too   
great to pay = ! cessation ( t hum4     
,eet is n hees bite1 said ,billy !      
half-bre$ to me once--eet is hees s+4   
,i agree ) ,billy4 ,"o mosquito 9 a t5t 

c keep y awake = h\rs4  ,z to           
protection1 x is v>i$ en\gh 9 all       
consci5ce1 & always !oretically p]fect4 
,a head-net fall+ well d[n ov] y\r *e/1 
or ev5 ti$ "u y\r arm-pits1 is at once !
 simple/ & mo/ fallaci\s ( ^! !ories4 ,x
 w keep va/ numb]s ( flies out1 to be   
sure4 ,x w also keep ! few adv5tur\s    
discov]]s 91 :]e y c nei!r kill nor     
eject4 ,likewise y are depriv$ ( y\r    
pipe2 & ! common homely com=t ( spitt+  
on y\r bait is totally d5i$ y4 ,!       
l&scape takes on ! prismatic col\rs (   
refraction1 s t1 :ile y c easily make   
out r$1 :ite1 & blue ,*9ese dragons &   
my?ological mon/]s1 y are unable to     
discov] ! m welcome succul5ce1 say1 ( a 
p>tridge on a limb4 ,& ! end ( t        
head-net is to be pick$ to holes by !   
bru%1 & f9ally to be snat*$ f y to sapl+
 height1 :5ce y\r pa9s w rescue x only 9
 a useless condition4 ,probably !n y w  
dance ! w>-dance ( exasp]ation on its   
dismemb]$ rema9s4 ,/ill1 !re are        
times--9 case ( /raight-away riv]       

paddl+1 or op5 walk+1 or l5g!n$         
wait+--:5 ! net is a great com=t4 ,& x  
is easily includ$ 9 ! pack4  ,next 9    
ord] come ! v>i\s dopes4 ,& !y are      
v>i\s4 ,f ! /ickie/1 blacke/ pa/es to ! 
silkie/1 suave/ oils !y range1 ?r\gh !  
grades ( ess5ce1 salve1 & cream4 ,e man 
has 8 own recipe--! infallible4 ,z a    
g5]al rule1 x may be /at$ t ! ?ick] k9ds
 la/ long] & are g5]ally m ?or\ghly     
effective1 b ! light] are pleasant] to  
we>1 ?\gh requir+ m frequ5t application4
 ,at a p9*1 ord9>y pork fat is good4 ,! 
,indians (t5 make tempor>y use ( ! broad
 c>ib\ leaf1 cru%+ x betwe5 _! palms &  
rubb+ ! juices on ! sk94 ,i "k by       
exp]i5ce t ?is is effective1 b v        
transitory4 ,x is1 h[ev]1 a good ?+ to  
use :5 re/+ on ! trail1 =1 by ! grace ( 
,provid5ce1 flies are r>ely bo!rsome z  
long z y are mov+ at a fair gait4  ,?is 
does n always hold good1 h[ev]1 any m   
?an ! be/ fly-dope is always effective4 
,i rememb] mo/ vividly ! fir/ day ( a   
return j\rney f ! %ores ( ! ,hudson     

,bay4 ,! wea!r 0 r oppressively close & 
ov]ca/4  ,we _h paddl$ a few miles up   
riv] f ! fur trad+-po/1 & !n _h l&$ 9   
ord] to light5 ! canoe = ! asc5t aga9/ !
 curr5t4 ,at t po9t ! =e/ has already   
begun to dw9dle t[>ds ! ,l& ( ,little   
,/icks1 s t (t5 miles & miles ( op5     
muskegs w int]v5e betwe5 gr\ps ( ! /unt$
 trees4 ,jim & ,i f\nd ourselves a      
little ov] wai/ deep 9 luxuriant &      
tangl$ grasses t imp$$ & clogg$ our e   
foot/ep4 ,nev] %all ,i =get t           
c\ntry--its sad & lonely isolation1 its 
dull lead sky1 its sil5ce1 & ! clos5ess 
( its /ifl+ atmosph]e--& nev] %all ,i   
see x o!rwise ?an z 9 a d5se br[n haze1 
a haze compos$ ( sw>m+ millions (       
mosquitoes4 ,!re is n ! slighte/        
exagg]ation 9 ! /atem5t4 ,at e /ep new  
multitudes ru%$ into our faces to jo9 ! 
old4 ,at times ,jim's back 0 s cov]$ )  
!m t !y almo/ ov]laid ! col\r ( ! clo?4 
,& z ne> z we c\ld see1 e squ>e foot ( !
 ?\s&s ( acres qu>t]$ its hordes4  ,we  
dop$ lib]ally1 b )\t ! slighte/ app>5t  

effect4 ,probably two million squeami%  
mosquitoes 7 driv5 away by ! disgu/ (   
our m$icam5ts1 b :at good did t d u :5  
eight million o!rs 7 n s p>ticul>8 ,at !
 la/ we hung b&anas "u our hats1 cut    
fans ( leaves1 & /umbl$ on ?r\gh a mo/  
mis]able day until we c\ld build a      
smudge at ev5+4  ,= smoke is usually a  
specific4 ,n always1 h[ev]3 "s midges   
seem to delight 9 x4 ,! ,indians make a 
t9y blaze ( bir* b>k & p9e twigs deep 9 
a ne/ ( grass & c>ib\ leaves4 ,:5 !     
flame is well />t$1 !y twi/ ! gr[+      
vegetation canopy-wise above x4  ,9 t   
mann] !y ga9 a few m9utes ( d5se1 acrid 
smoke1 :i* is en\gh = an ,indian4 ,a    
:ite man1 h[ev]1 ne$s some?+ m          
elaborate4  ,! *ief reason = y\r initial
 failure 9 mak+ an effective smudge w be
 t y w n get y\r fire well />t$ be=e    
pil+ on ! damp smoke-mat]ial4 ,x ne$ n  
be a conflagration1 b x %\ld be bright &
 gl[+1 s t ! punk bir* or maple wood y  
add w n smo!r x entirely4 ,aft] x is    
complet$1 y w n h to sit c\gh+ 9 ! ?ick 

( fumigation1 z d _m1 b only to leew>d &
 und]nea?4 ,y\r hat us$ z a fan w eddy !
 smoke tempor>ily into desirable nooks &
 crevices4 ,i h slept )\t annoyance on !
 ,great ,pla9s1 :]e ! mosquitoes seem to
 g 9 organiz$ & pr$atory b&s1 m]ely by  
ly+ b5ea? a smudge t pass$ at lea/ five 
feet above me4 ,y w f9d ! fry+-pan a h&y
 brazi] = ! accommodation ( a movable   
smoke to be transport$ to ! int]ior ( ! 
t5t4 ,& x does n 9 ! lea/ hurt !        
fry+-pan4 ,^! be h9ts1 briefly spok51   
out ( :i* at times y may h to con/ruct  
elaborate campaigns4  ,b y come to      
grapples 9 ! def5ce ( com=t :5 night    
approa*es4 ,if y c eat & sleep well1 y c
 /& almo/ any h>d%ip4 ,! night's re/ is 
z c>efully to be =e-assur$ z ! food t   
su/a9s y4 ,no precaution is too         
elaborate to c]tify unbrok5 repose4 ,by 
d>k y w discov] ! peak ( y\r t5t to be  
lib]ally speckl$ ) insects ( all sorts4 
,especially is ?is true ( an ev5+ t     
?reat5s ra94 ,y\r smudge-pan may drive  
away ! mosquitoes1 b m]ely /upefies !   

o!r v>ieties4 ,y are =c$ to !           
manipulation ( a balsam fan4  ,9 y\r use
 ( ?is simple implem5t y w betray !     
ext5t ( y\r exp]i5ce4 ,dick us$ at fir/ 
to beg9 at ! re> peak & bru% z rapidly z
 possible t[>d ! op5+4 ,! flies1        
?or\ghly ar\s$1 eddi$ ab\t a few frantic
 mom5ts1 l leaves 9 an autumn w9d1      
f9ally to settle close to ! sod 9 !     
crannies betwe5 ! t5t-wall & ! gr\nd4   
,!n ,dick w\ld lie flat on 8 belly 9    
ord] to bru% ) equal vig\r at ^! new    
lurk+-places4 ,! flies repeat$ !        
autumn-leaf effect1 & return$ to ! re>  
peak4 ,?is 0 amus+ to me1 & furni%$ !   
flies ) heal?ful1 appetiz+ ex]cise1 b 0 
bad = ,dick's s\l4 ,aft] a "t he        
discov]$ ! only successful me?od is !   
g5tle "o4 ,!n he began at ! peak & bru%$
 =w>d sl[ly1 v1 v sl[ly1 s t ! limit$   
intellect ( 8 visitors did n become     
confus$4 ,?us :5 !y arriv$ at ! op5+ !y 
saw x & us$ x1 in/ead ( se>*+           
frantically = corn]s 9 :i* to hide f    
app>5tly v5geful de/ruction4 ,!n he w\ld

 close 8 t5t-flap securely1 & turn 9 at 
once4 ,s he 0 able to sleep until e>lie/
 daylight4 ,at t "t ! mosquitoes aga9   
f\nd him out4  ,n9e out ( t5--p]haps    
n9ety-n9e out ( a hundr$--sleep 9 op5   
t5ts4 ,= absolute & p]fect com=t proce$ 
z foll[s3--,h y\r t5t-mak] sew y a t5t (
 *eese-clo?99 ) ! same dim5sions z y\r  
%elt]1 except t ! walls %\ld be loose & 
volum9\s at ! bottom4 ,x %\ld h no      
op5+s4  ,footnote 993 ,d n all[ y\rself 
to be talk$ into sub/itut+ mosquito-b>  
or bob9et4 ,any me% co>s] ?an *eese-clo?
 w prove pregnable to ! mo/ ent]pris+ ( 
! small] species4  ,susp5d ?is affair   
inside y\r t5t by means ( cords or      
tapes4 ,drop x ab\t y4 ,spread x out4   
,lay rod-cases1 duffel-bags1 or rocks   
along its l[] edges to keep x spread4 ,y
 w sleep b5ea? x l a *ild 9 w9t]4 ,no   
driv+ out ( reluctant flies2 no en=c$   
e>ly ris+2 no dang] ( a s+le ov]look$   
insect to make ! midnight mis]able4 ,!  
*eese-clo? weighs almo/ no?+1 c be loop$
 up out ( ! way 9 ! daytime1 admits !   

air readily4 ,no?+ c\ld fill ! s\l ) m  
ec/atic satisfaction ?an to lie = a     
mom5t be=e go+ to sleep li/5+ to a noise
 outside l an able-bodi$ sawmill t      
indicates ! p+-go% are abroad4  ,x w\ld 
be unfair to leave ! subject )\t a pass+
 ref]5ce to its effect on ! imag9ation4 
,we are all famili> ) comic pap]        
mosquito /ories1 & "s ( !m are v good4  
,b until actual exp]i5ce takes y by ! h&
 & leads y into ! realm ( pure fancy1 y 
w nev] "k ( :at improvisation ! human   
m9d is capable4  ,! picture rises be=e  
my m9d ( ! cab9 ( a tw5ty-eight-foot    
cutt]-sloop j be=e ! dawn ( a midsumm]  
day4 ,! sloop 0 made = bus9ess1 & ! cab9
 h>moniz$ exactly ) ! sloop--pa9t$ p9e1 
wood5 bunks )\t mattresses1             
camp-blankets1 duffel-bags slung up     
because all ! floor place _h be5        
requisition$ = sleep+ purposes4 ,we 7   
an*or$ a hundr$ feet (f l& f ,pilot     
,cove1 on ! un9habit$ nor? %ore4 ,!     
mosquitoes _h adv5tur$ on ! deep4 ,we   
lay half asleep4  ,on ! middle raft]1   

murmur$ ! ,football ,man1 is "o old     
fell[ giv+ signals4  ,a qu>tette is s++ 
dr9k+-songs on my nose1 mutt]$ ! ,glee  
,club ,man4  ,we won't ne$ to cook1 ,i  
sugge/$ somnol5tly4 ,we c run up & d[n  
on deck ) our m\?s op5 & get en\gh =    
breakfa/4  ,! f\r? memb] op5$ "o eye4   
,boys1 he brea!d1 we won't be able to g 
on to-morr[ unless we give up hav+ any m
 biscuits4  ,aft] a "t "s "o murmur$1   
,:y8  ,we'll h to use all ! l>d on !    
ma/4 ,!y're s mad because !y c't get at 
u t !y're bit+ ! ma/4 ,x's already      
swell$ up z big z a b>rel4 ,we'll nev]  
be able to get ! ma9sail up4 ,any ( y   
boys got any vasel9e8 ,p]haps a little  
fly-dope--  ,b we snor$ vigor\sly 9     
unison4 ,! ,indians say t :5 ,kit*'     
,manit\ _h creat$ m5 he 0 dissatisfi$1 &
 s br\ght wom5 into be+4 ,at once       
love-mak+ began1 & !n1 z n[1 ! c\ples   
s\ght solitude = _! ex*anges ( v[s1 _!  
sigh+s to ! moon1 _! clasp+s ( h&s4     
,m>riages ensu$4 ,! situation rema9$    
un*ang$4 ,life 0 "o p]petual honeymoon4 

,i suppose ! novelty 0 fre% & ! sexes _h
 n yet realiz$ !y w\ld n "p z abruptly z
 !y _h be5 br\ght toge!r4 ,! villages 7 
des]t$1 :ile ! woods & bu%es 7 popul\s )
 w$d$ & unw$d$ lov]s4 ,kit*' ,manit\    
look$ on ! proce$+s ) disapproval4 ,all 
?is 0 mo/ romantic & beautiful1 no d\bt1
 b 9 ! meantime mi-dw-m91 ! corn1       
mi-n-m51 ! rice1 grew rank &            
uncultivat$2 :ile bis-w1 ! lynx1 &      
sw+wage1 ! wolv]9e1 & me-n-gan1 ! wolf1 
committ$ un*eck$ depr$ations among !    
weak] =e/ creatures4 ,! bus9ess ( life 0
 be+ sadly neglect$4 ,s ,kit*' ,manit\  
took c\nsel ) himself1 & creat$         
sw-gi-may1 ! mosquito1 to :om he gave z 
dwell+ ! woods & bu%es4 ,t took !       
romance out ( ! situation4 ,z my n>rator
 grimly express$ x1 ,him come back1 g to
 "w4  ,c]ta9ly x %\ld be mo/ effective4 
,ev5 ! ?ick-sk9n$ moose is n exempt f   
discom=t4 ,at c]ta9 seasons ! canoe     
voyag] 9 ! ,f> ,nor? w run ^u a doz5 9 !
 c\rse ( a day's travel1 /&+ nose-deep 9
 ! riv] m]ely to escape ! insect pe/s4  

,h[ev]1 ?is is to be rememb]$3 aft] !   
fir/ ( ,augu/ !y bo!r v little2 be=e t  
"t ! campaign ,i h outl9$ is effective2 
ev5 9 fly season ! wor/ days are        
infrequ5t4 ,9 ! woods y mu/ expect to   
pay a c]ta9 price 9 discom=t = a v real 
& v deep pleasure4 ,wet1 heat1 cold1    
hung]1 ?ir/1 difficult travel1 insects1 
h>d b$s1 a*+ muscles--all ^! at "o "t or
 ano!r w be y\r portion4 ,if y are ( !  
class t _c h a good "t unless ev]y?+ is 
"r ) x1 /ay out ( ! woods4 ,"o ?+ at    
lea/ w always be wrong4 ,:5 y h ga9$ !  
faculty ( ignor+ ! "o disagreeable ?+ & 
conc5trat+ y\r p[]s on ! comp5sations1  
!n y w h become a true woodsman1 & to   
y\r desires ! =e/ w always be call+4    
,x4  ,,clo*e4   ,imag9e a _m-arm$ lake1 
l a />fi%1 ne/$ among rugg$ ,laur5tian  
hills1 ^: br[s are b>e & =bidd+1 b ^:   
conceal$ rav9es h>b\r ea* its cool scre5
 ( =e/ gr[?4 ,imag9e a brawl+ /ream     
escap+ at "o ( ! arms1 to tumble1       
int]mitt5tly visible among ! trees1 d[n 
a s]ies ( cascades & rapids1 to ! broad1

 isl&-dott$ calm ( ! big lake4 ,imag9e a
 mead[ at ! m\? ( ?is /ream1 & on !     
mead[ a s+le :ite dot4 ,?us y w see     
,clo*e1 a trad+-po/ ( ! ,hon\rable !    
,hudson's ,bay ,company1 z ,deuce & ,i  
saw x f ! summit ( ! hills4  ,we _h     
accompli%$ a v h>d scramble1 :i* />t$   
well en\gh 9 a rav9e s leafy & gre5 &   
imp5etrable t we might well h imag9$    
ourselves 9 a b\ndless =e/4 ,deuce _h   
sc5t$ sundry p>tridges1 :i* he _h po9t$ 
) entire def]5ce to ! good =m ( a sport+
 dog's conv5tions4 ,z usual1 to ,deuce's
 nev]-fail+ surprise & disgu/1 ! birds  
_h prov$ !mselves mo/ uncultivat$ & rude
 p]sons by hopp+ promptly into trees    
in/ead ( ly+ to po9t & !n flu%+ z a     
well-taught p>tridge %\ld4 ,i _h refus$ 
to pull pi/ol on !m4 ,deuce's he>t 0    
brok54 ,!n1 f9ally1 we came to cliffs up
 :i* we _h to scale1 & b\ld]s :i* we _h 
to climb1 & fissures :i* we _h to jump  
or cross on fall5 trees1 & wide1 b>e    
sweeps ( rock & blueb]ry bu%es :i* we _h
 to cov]1 until at la/ we /ood :]e we   

c\ld look all ways at once4  ,! />fi%   
?ru/ 8 ins9uat+ arms 9 among ! di/ant   
hills to ! nor?4 ,league aft] league1   
ris+ & fall+ & ris+ aga9 into ev] blu]  
di/ance1 =e/-cov]$1 my/]i\s1 o!r ranges 
& sy/ems lift$1 until at la/1 f> out1   
ne>ly at ! horizon-height ( my eye1     
fla%$ aga9 ! gleam ( wat]4 ,& s ! />fi% 
arms ( ! little lake at my feet seem$ to
 h plung$ into ?is wild]ness tangle only
 to reappe> at great] di/ance4 ,l       
swamp-fire1 x lur$ ! imag9ation always  
on & on & on ?r\gh ! secret wat]ways ( !
 un9habit$ ,nor?4 ,x 0 z ?\gh ,i /ood on
 ! divid+ ridge betwe5 ! old & ! new4   
,?r\gh ! s\!rn haze1 hull d[n1 ,i ?\ght 
to make out ! smoke ( a ,great ,lake    
freight]2 f ! %elt] ( a di/ant cove ,i 0
 n surpris$ a mom5t lat] to see em]ge a 
t9y speck ^: movem5ts betray$ x z a bir*
 canoe4 ,! great ,nor? 0 at ?is1 ! mo/  
s\!rn ( ! ,hudson's ,bay po/s1 /rik+ a  
p9-po9t ( contact ) ! _w ( m54  ,deuce &
 ,i angl$ d[n ! m\nta9 t[>d ! /ream4    
,our arrival co9cid$ ) t ( ! canoe4 ,x 0

 ( ! ,ojibway ?ree-fa?om patt]n1 &      
conta9$ a half-doz5 packs1 a sl$ge-dog1 
) :om ,deuce at once op5$ gu>d$         
negotiations1 an old ,indian1 a squaw1 &
 a *ild ( six or eight4 ,we ex*ang$     
brief greet+s4 ,!n ,i sat on a /ump &   
wat*$ ! portage4  ,^! 7 evid5tly ,woods 
,indians1 an entirely diff]5t article f 
! ,po/ ,indians4 ,!y wore _! hair long1 
& b\nd by a n>r[ /rip or fillet2 _!     
faces 7 h>d & deeply l9$1 ) a f9e1 bold1
 f>-see+ look to ! eyes :i* comes only f
 long woods dwell+4 ,!y walk$1 ev5 "u   
heavy loads1 ) a sagg+1 spr+y gait1 at  
once sure-foot$ & swift4 ,in/ead (      
tump-l9es ! man us$ 8 sa%1 & ! woman a  
blanket knott$ loosely toge!r at ! ends4
 ,! details ( _! co/umes 7 int]e/+ 9    
comb9ation ( jeans & bucksk91 broadclo? 
& blanket1 /r\d & a mat]ial evid5tly    
made f ! /rong :ite sack+ 9 :i* fl\r    
int5d$ = fronti] consumption is always  
pack$4 ,aft] ! fir/ d\ble-b>rell$ bo'   
j\'1 bo' j\'1 !y paid no fur!r att5tion 
to me4 ,9 a few mom5ts ! portage 0      

complet$4 ,! woman ?ru/ h] paddle aga9/ 
! /ream's bottom & ! canoe1 & s emb>k$4 
,! man /epp$ smoo?ly to 8 place l a cat 
leap+ f a *air4 ,!y %ot away ) ! curr5t1
 leav+ beh9d !m a /range & my/]i\s      
impression ( sil5ce4  ,i foll[$ d[n a   
n>r[ b well-beat5 trail1 & s at ! end ( 
a half-mile came to ! mead[ & ! po/ (   
,clo*e4  ,! build+ itself 0 accurately (
 ! ,hudson ,bay type--a /eep1 slop+ ro( 
great] 9 front ?an beh9d1 a deep recess$
 v]&a1 squ>$ logs %ea!d ) :itewa%$      
bo>ds4 ,ab\t x 0 a little g>d51 :i*1    
besides ! usual fl[]s & vegetables1     
conta9$ su* exotics z a de] conf9$ to a 
p5 & a be> *a9$ to a /ake4 ,z ,i        
approa*$1 ! door op5$ & ! ,trad] came   
out4  ,n[1 (t5 along ! s\!rn fr+e y\r   
,hudson's ,bay ,trad] w prove to be a   
di/9ct disappo9tm5t4 ,9 fact1 "o ( !    
hi/oric old po/s is n[ kept by a p]t    
little cockney ,engli%man1 cr++ or      
impud5t z ! ma9 *ance seems to advise4  
,:5 y h p5etrat$ fur!r into ! wild]ness1
 h[ev]1 :]e ! h>d%ips ( w9t] & summ]    

travel1 ! lonel9ess ( w9t] po/s1 !      
necessity ( deal+ directly ) savage m5 &
 savage nature1 develops ! quality ( a  
man or wrecks him e>ly 9 ! game1 y w be 
c]ta9 ( meet+ y\r type4 ,b "h1 )9 fifty 
miles ( ! railroad6  ,! man :o n[ /epp$ 
into view1 h[ev]1 pres]v$ 9 8 appe>ance 
all ! old traditions4 ,he 01 briefly1 a 
%ort black-&-:ite man built v squ>e4    
,imm5se p[] lurk$ 9 ! broad1 heavy      
%\ld]s1 ! massive *e/1 ! ?ick arms1 !   
/urdy1 column-l legs4 ,z = 8 face1 x 0  
almo/ entirely conceal$ beh9d a curly   
squ>e black be>d t grew above 8         
*eek-bones ne>ly to 8 eyes4 ,only a ?ick
 hawk nose1 an inscrutable pair ( black 
eyes "u ph5om5ally heavy eyebr[s1 & a   
%ort black pipe %[$ pla9ly f ! hirsute  
tangle4 ,he 0 lock1 /ock1 & b>rel ( !   
,f> ,nor?1 "o ( ! old rgime4 ,i 0       
rejoic$ to see him !re1 b did n betray a
 glimm] ( int]e/4 ,i knew my type too   
well = t4  ,h[ are y8 he said grudg+ly4 
,good-day1 said ,i4  ,we lean$ aga9/ !  
f5ce & smok$1 ea* contemplat+ c>efully !

 end ( 8 pipe4 ,i knew bett] ?an to say 
any?+4 ,! ,trad] 0 look+ me ov]1 mak+ up
 8 m9d ab\t me4 ,spee* on my "p w\ld    
argue lightness ( disposition1 = x w\ld 
seem to indicate t ,i 0 n also mak+ up  
my m9d ab\t him4  ,9 ?is pause !re 0 n !
 lea/ unfri5dl9ess4 ,only1 9 ! woods y  
pref] to "k fir/ ! bus9ess & "* ( a     
*ance acqua9tance4 ,aft]w>ds y may      
+ratiate to 8 good w4 ,all ( :i*        
possesses a beautiful simplicity1 = x   
proves t good or bad op9ion ne$ n dep5d 
on h[ gracefully y c *att] assurances4  
,at ! end ( a long p]iod ! ,trad]       
inquir$1 ,:i* way y head$8  ,out 9 a    
canoe = pleasure4 ,head$ almo/ any:]e4  
,aga9 we smok$4  ,dog any good8 ask$ !  
,trad]1 remov+ 8 pipe & po9t+ to !      
obs]vant ,deuce4  ,he'll hunt %ade on a 
hot day1 said ,i t5tatively4 ,h['s ! fur
 9 ?is di/rict8  ,we 7 (f4 ,he invit$ me
 9 & %[$ me 8 be>4 ,9 t5 m9utes we 7    
seat$ *air-tilt$ on ! v]&a1 & sl[ly1 v  
cauti\sly1 9 abbreviat$ syncopation1 7  
feel+ our way t[>d an intimacy4  ,n[    

came ! ,indians ,i _h se5 at ! lake to  
b>t] = "s fl\r & pork4 ,i 0 glad ( !    
*ance to foll[ !m all into ! trad+-room4
 ,a l[ wood5 c\nt] back$ by a grill     
divid$ ! ma9 body ( ! room f ! entrance4
 ,x 0 delici\sly dim4 ,all ! *>m ( !    
,aromatic ,%op 0 9 ! place1 & an        
additional flav\r ( ! wilds4 ,ev]y?+ "h 
0 meant = ! ,indian trade3 bolts (      
bright-patt]n$ g+hams1 blankets ( r$ or 
blue1 articles ( clo?+1 boxes ( beads = 
decoration1 ske9s ( brilliant silk1 lead
 b>s = bullet-mak+1 /acks ( long        
brass-b\nd trade guns 9 ! corn]1 small  
mirrors1 r$ & p>ti-col\r$ wor/$ sa%es ) 
tassels on ! ends1 /eel traps ( v>i\s   
sizes1 & a doz5 o!r articles to be      
desir$ by ! =e/ p4 ,& "h1 unlike !      
,aromatic ,%op1 7 none ( ! products ( ! 
,f> ,nor?4 ,all t1 ,i knew1 0 to be f\nd
 else:]e1 9 ano!r ap>tm5t1 equally dim1 
b delightful 9 ! ord]ly disord] ( a     
/or]oom4  ,aft]w>ds ,i made ! excuse ( a
 pair ( moccas9s to see ?is o!r room4   
,we climb$ a /eep1 r\gh flight ( /airs  

to em]ge ?r\gh a sort ( trap-door into a
 space directly "u ! ro(4 ,x 0 lit only 
by a s+le little squ>e at "o end4 ,deep 
"u ! eaves ,i c\ld make out r[ aft] r[ (
 boxes & *e/s4 ,f ! raft]s hung a doz5  
pair ( sn[-%oes4 ,9 ! c5tre ( ! floor1  
half ov]turn$1 lay an op5 box f :i*     
tumbl$ doz5s ( pairs ( moose-hide       
sn[-%oe moccas9s4  ,%ades ( *ildhood1   
:at a place6 ,no "o ( u c fail to recall
 ) a ?rill ! delights ( a rummage 9 !   
attic--! joy ( pull+ f "s half-=gott5   
trunk a :olly =gott5 %abby g>m5t1 :i*   
nev]!less has tak5 to itself f !        
/illness ( undi/urb$ ye>s ! fa9t aroma (
 romance2 ! rapture ( discov]+ 9 ! dusk 
( a conceal$ nook "s old spur or brok5  
knife or ru/y pi/ol r$ol5t ( ! op5 road4
 ,su* ess5tially commonplace affairs !y 
are1 aft] all1 9 ! light ( our mature   
common s5se1 b su* unspeakable ec/asies 
to ! romance-brea?+ ye>s ( fancy4 ,"h   
w\ld no fancy be requir$4 ,to rummage 9 
^! sil5t *e/s & boxes w\ld be to        
rummage1 n 9 ! fictions ( imag9ation1 b 

! facts ( ! mo/ real picturesque4 ,9    
yond] squ>e box are ! smoke-tann$ %oes (
 sil5ce2 t velvet dimness w\ld prove to 
be ! fur ( a be>2 ?is bir*-b>k package  
conta9s maple sug> sav\r$ ( ! wilds4    
,bucksk91 bo? :ite & buff1 be>s' claws 9
 /r+s1 bundles ( m$ic9al h]bs1          
sweet-grass baskets fragrant z an ,ea/]n
 tale1 bir*-b>k boxes embroid]$ ) /a9$  
quills ( ! porcup9es1 b[s ( hickory &   
arr[s ( maple1 que] half-boots ( /iff   
sealsk9 f ! v %ores ( ! ,hudson ,bay1   
belts ( beadwork1 yell[ & gre51 = !     
,corn ,dance1 ev5 a co/ume or s (       
bucksk9 complete = c]emonial--all ^! !  
=tunate *ild w\ld f9d 7 he to take !    
ra9y-day privilege 9 ?is1 ! mo/ wond]ful
 attic 9 all ! _w4 ,& !n1 aft] he _h    
/rok$ ! s(t fur1 & smell$ ! bucksk9 &   
sweet grasses1 & ta/$ ! crumbl+ maple   
sug>1 & dress$ himself 9 ! b>b>ic       
spl5d\rs ( ! ,nor?1 he c\ld flatt5 8    
little nose aga9/ ! dim squ>e ( light & 
look out ov] ! gli/5+ yell[ backs ( a   
doz5 bir*b>k canoes to ! di/ant1        

ra9-blurr$ hills1 beyond :i* lay !      
c\ntry :5ce all ^! ?+s _h come4 ,d y    
wond] t 9 aft] ye>s t *ild hits ! ,long 
,trail8 ,d y /ill wond] at f9d+ ^!      
/range1 taciturn1 =midable1 t5d]-he>t$  
m5 dwell+ lonely 9 ! ,sil5t ,places8  ,!
 ,trad] yank$ sev]al ( ! boxes to !     
c5tre & prosaically tumbl$ ab\t _!      
cont5ts4 ,he br\ght to light heavy      
moose-hide moccas9s ) high l95 tops = ! 
sn[2 light] bucksk9 moccas9s1 aga9 ) !  
high tops1 b ?is "t ( :ite tann$ doesk92
 slipp]-l de]-sk9 moccas9s ) roll$      
edges1 = ! summ]2 oil-tann$ %oepacs1 ) &
 )\t ! flexible lea!r sole2 cruis]s (   
v>y+ degree ( height--ea* & e sort (    
footge> 9 use 9 ! ,f> ,nor?1 except+ &  
sav+ always ! beautiful s(t doesk9      
slipp]s f9i%$ ) :ite fawnsk9 & ornam5t$ 
) ! ,ojibway fl[] patt]n = :i* ,i s\ght4
 ,f9ally he gave x up4  ,i _h a few     
pair4 ,!y mu/ h be5 s5t out1 said he4   
,we rummag$ a little fur!r = luck's     
sake1 !n desc5d$ to ! out] air4 ,i left 
him to fet* my canoe1 b return$ 9 !     

aft]noon4 ,we became fri5ds4 ,t ev5+ we 
sat 9 ! little sitt+-room & talk$ f>    
into ! night4  ,he 0 a true ,hudson's   
,bay man1 /eadfa/ly loyal to ! ,company4
 ,i m5tion$ ! leg5d ( ,la ,longue       
,trav]se2 he /\tly ass]t$ he _h nev]    
he>d ( x4 ,i tri$ to buy a m9k-sk9 or s 
to hang on ! wall z s\v5ir ( my visit2  
he 0 g5u9ely di/ress$1 b _h to refuse   
because ! ,company _h n au?oriz$ him to 
sell1 & he _h no?+ ( 8 own to give4 ,i  
m5tion$ ! ,riv] ( ! ,moose1 ! ,l& (     
,little ,/icks2 8 deep eyes sp>kl$ )    
excitem5t1 & he ask$ eag]ly a multitude 
( details conc]n+ late news f ! nor!rn  
po/s4  ,& z ! ev5+ dw9dl$1 aft] ! mann] 
( ,trad]s ev]y:]e1 he began to tell me !
 gho/ /ories ( ?is /ation ( ,clo*e4 ,e  
po/ has ga!r$ a mass ( leg5d>y lore 9 ! 
sl[ ye>s1 b ?is _h be5 on ! r\te ( !    
voyageurs f ,montreal & ,quebec at ! "t 
:5 ! lords ( ! ,nor? j\rney$ to ! sc5es 
( _! annual revels at ,=t ,williams4 ,! 
,trad] _h mu* to say ( ! magnific5ce &  
luxury ( ^! m5--_! cooks1 _! silk5 t5ts1

 _! /range & co/ly foods1 _! r>e w9es1  
_! hordes ( ,fr5* & ,indian canoem5 &   
pack]s4 ,!n ,clo*e 0 a halt+-place = !  
night4 ,its mead[s _h blossom$ _m times 
) ! gay t5ts & bann]s ( a great company4
 ,he told me1 z vividly z ?\gh he _h be5
 an eye-witness1 ( h[ ! canoes mu/ h    
loom$ up sudd5ly f betwe5 ! isl&s4      
,by-&-by he seiz$ ! lamp & conduct$ me  
outside1 :]e hung pond]\s ornam5tal     
/eely>ds1 on :i* 9 ! old days ! peltries
 7 weigh$4  ,x is n s n[1 said he4 ,we  
buy by c\nt1 & mod]n scales weigh !     
provisions4 ,& ! beav] are all gone4    
,we re-ent]$ ! h\se 9 sil5ce4 ,aft] a   
:ile he began briefly to sket* 8 own    
c>e]4 ,!n1 inde$1 ! flav\r ( ! ,f> ,nor?
 brea!d its crisp1 brac+ ozone ?r\gh !  
atmosph]e ( ! room4  ,he _h />t$ life at
 "o ( ! po/s ( ! ,f> ,nor?-,we/4 ,at !  
age ( twelve he enli/$ 9 ! ,company4    
,?r\gh\t =ty ye>s he _h s]v$ h]4 ,he _h 
travell$ to all ! /range places ( !     
,nor?1 & claim$ to h /ood on ! %ores ( t
 half-my?ical lake ( ,yamba ,tooh4  ,x 0

 sn[+ at ! "t1 he said prosaically2 & ,i
 c\ldn't see any?+1 except t ,i'd h to  
be> to ! ea/ to get away f op5 wat]4    
,maybe %e wasn't ! lake4 ,! ,inj9s said 
%e 01 b ,i 0 too almighty %y ( grub to  
bo!r ) lakes4  ,o!r names fell f him 9 !
 c\rse ( talk1 "s ( :i* ,i _h he>d & "s 
n1 b all ( :i* rang sweet & cle> ) no   
unc]ta9 note ( adv5ture4 ,especially    
haunts my memory an impression (        
desolate burn$ trees /&+ /ick-l 9 dea?  
on ! %ores ( ,lo/ ,riv]4  ,he told me he
 _h be5 f\r ye>s at ,clo*e1 b expect$   
%ortly to be transf]r$1 z ! fur 0 gett+ 
sc>ce1 & ano!r po/ "o hundr$ miles to ! 
we/ c\ld c>e = ! dw9dl+ trade4 ,he hop$ 
to be s5t into ! ,nor?-,we/1 b %rugg$ 8 
%\ld]s z he said s1 z ?\gh t 7 9 ! h&s (
 ! gods4 ,at ! la/ he fi%$ out a        
conc]t9a & play$ = me4 ,h y ev] he>d1   
aft] d>k1 9 ! ,nor?1 :]e ! hills gr[ big
 at sunset1  la ,claire ,fonta9e croon$ 
to su* an accompanim5t1 & by a man (    
impassive bulk & c\nt5ance1 b ) gl[+    
eyes8  ,i said good-night1 & /umbl$1    

sight-daz$1 ?r\gh ! cool d>k to my t5t  
ne> ! bea*4 ,! weird m9or /ra9s brea!d  
aft] me z ,i w5t4  ,a la claire fonta9e 
,m'en allant prom5]1 ,j'ai tr\v l'eau si
 belle ,que je m'y suis baign1 ,il y a  
longtemps que je t'aime ,jamais je ne   
t'oubli]ai4  ,! next day1 ) ! comb]s ( a
 h[l+ nor?-we/]ly gale clut*+ at ! /]n (
 ! canoe1 ,i rode 9 a glory ( spray &   
copp]-ta/+ excitem5t back to ,dick & 8  
half-bre$ settlem5t4  ,b ! incid5t _h   
its sequel4 ,! foll[+ season1 z ,i 0    
sitt+ writ+ at my desk1 a /range package
 0 br\ght me4 ,x 0 wrapp$ 9 l95 sewn    
/rongly ) wax$ cord4 ,its cont5ts lie   
be=e me n[--a pair ( moccas9s fa%ion$ ( 
! f9e/ doesk91 tann$ s beautifully t !  
delici\s smoke fragrance fills ! room1 &
 s effectively t !y c\ld be wa%$ ) soap 
& wat] )\t de/roy+ _! s(tness4 ,!       
tongue-%ap$ piece ov] ! in/ep is ( :ite 
fawnsk9 heavily ornam5t$ 9 five col\rs (
 silk4 ,:]e x jo9s ! foot ( ! slipp] x  
is work$ ov] & ov] into a n>r[ cord ( r$
 & blue silk4 ,! edge ab\t ! ankle is   

turn$ ov]1 deeply scallop$1 & b\nd at ! 
top ) a broad b& ( blue silk /it*$ )    
p9k4 ,two t9y blue b[s at ei!r side !   
ankle ornam5t ! front4 ,altoge!r a mo/  
magnific5t foot-ge>4 ,no ^w accompani$  
!m1 app>5tly1 b aft] "s se>* ,i drew a  
bit ( pap] f ! toe ( "o ( !m4 ,x 0      
inscrib$ simply--,=t la ,clo*e4         
,,xi4  ,,! ,,habitants4   ,dur+ my      
abs5ce ,dick _h made _m fri5ds4 ,:]e9   
lies 8 secret ,i d n "k1 b he has a     
peculi> p[] ( +ratiation ) p ^: lives   
are q outside 8 exp]i5ce or sympa?ies4  
,9 ! %ort space ( f\r days he _h e>n$   
joy\s greet+s f e "o 9 t[n4 ,! *ildr5   
gr9n$ at him *e]fully2 ! old wom5 cackl$
 good-natur$ little teas+ je/s to him z 
he pass$2 ! pretty1 dusky half-bre$     
girls dropp$ _! eyela%es fasc9at+ly     
across _! *eeks1 temp]+ _! coyness ) a  
smile2 ! m5 pa9fully dem&$ in=mation z  
to arti/ic a*ievem5t :i* 0 evid5tly z   
well meant z x 0 =eign to any real ?ir/ 
= k !y might possess2 ev5 ! lumb]-jacks 
address$ him z ,bub4 ,& )al ,dick's     

me?ods ( approa* 7 radically wrong1 = he
 blund]$ ^u new acqua9tance ) a beam+   
smile1 :i* is ord9>ily a sure repell5t  
to ! cauti\s1 taciturn m5 ( ! woods4    
,p]haps _! ke5ness p5etrat$ to ! fact t 
he 0 absolutely )\t guile1 & t 8 k9dness
 0 an ess5tial "p ( himself4 ,i %\ld be 
curi\s to "k :e!r ,billy ,knapp ( !     
,black ,hills w\ld surr5d] 8 gun to     
,dick = inspection4  ,i want y to g out 
?is aft]noon to see "s fri5ds ( m9e1    
said ,dick4 ,!y're on a f>m ab\t two    
miles back 9 ! bru%4 ,!y're ance/ors4   
,!y're :at8 ,i inquir$4  ,ance/ors4 ,y c
 g d[n to ,grosse ,po9t ne> ,detroit1 & 
f9d p liv+ 9 beautiful c\ntry places    
next ! wat]1 & aft] d9n] !y'll %[ y an  
old silh\ette or a dagu]reotype or      
some?+ l t1 & w say to y pr\dly1 ',?is  
is old ,jules1 my ance/or1 :o 0 a pione]
 9 ?is c\ntry4 ,! ,place has be5 9 !    
family ev] s9ce 8 "t4'  ,well8  ,well1  
?is is a ,fr5* family1 & !y are pione]s1
 & ! family has a place t slopes d[n to 
! wat] ?r\gh :ite bir* trees1 & x is ( !

 k9d v t5aci\s ( its own l&4 ,9 two     
hundr$ ye>s ?is w be a great resort2    
b\nd to be--beautiful1 salubri\s1 good  
sport1 f9e sc5]y1 accessible--          
,railroad fifty miles away2 boat e once 
9 a :ile1 said ,i s>ca/ically4          
,accessible 9 two hundr$ ye>s1 all "r1  
insi/$ ,dick s]5ely4 ,ev5 ,canada c     
build a qu>t] ( a mile ( railway a ye>4 
,accessible1 he w5t on2 good %ipp+-po9t 
= c\ntry n[ undevelop$4  ,y ought to be 
a real e/ate ag5t1 ,i advis$4  ,liv$ two
 hundr$ ye>s too soon1 disclaim$ ,dick4 
,:at m obvi\s8 ,^! are c]ta9ly ance/ors4
  ,family may die out1 ,i sugge/$4  ,x  
has a good />t1 said ,dick sweetly4 ,!re
 are eighty-sev5 9 x n[4  ,:at6 ,i      
gasp$4  ,"o great-gr&fa!r1 twelve       
gr&p>5ts1 ?irty-sev5 p>5ts1 & ?irty-sev5
 *ildr51 tabulat$ ,dick4  ,i %\ld l to  
see ! great-gr&fa!r1 said ,i2 he mu/ be 
v old & feeble4  ,he is eighty-five ye>s
 old1 said ,dick1 & ! la/ "t ,i saw him 
he 0 engag$ ) an axe 9 cle>+ trees (f 8 
f>m4  ,all ( ^! a/oni%+ /atem5ts ,i f\nd

 to be absolutely true4  ,we />t$ out   
afoot soon aft] d9n]1 ?r\gh a scatt]+   
gr[? ( popples t alt]nately drew ! veil 
( coyness ov] ! blue hills & caught our 
brea? ) ! delight ( a mom5t>y prospect4 
,deuce1 rememb]+ autumn days1 conclud$  
p>tridges1 & scurri$ away on ! exp]t    
diagonal1 8 h9d legs tuck$ well "u 8    
flanks4 ,! road itself 0 a m]e cutt+    
?r\gh ! m9iature woods1 w9d+ to "r or   
left = ! purpose ( avoid+ a log-end or a
 b\ld]1 surm\nt+ little knolls ) an idle
 disreg>d = ! /raight l9e1 knobby ) big1
 r\nd /ones1 & int]e/+ly div]sifi$ by   
circul> mud holes a foot or s 9 diamet]4
 ,aft] a mile & a half we came to !     
corn] ( a snake f5ce4 ,?is1 ,dick in=m$ 
me1 m>k$ ! limits ( ! f>m4  ,we bur/    
?r\gh ! scre5 ( popples def9itely into !
 cle>4 ,a two-/ori$ h\se ( squ>$ logs   
cre/$ a knoll 9 ! middle di/ance4 ,t5   
acres ( grass m>%1 p]haps tw5ty ( pl\gh$
 l&1 & !n ! a%-:ite-gre5 ( popples4 ,we 
dodg$ ! grass m>% & ga9$ ! h\se4 ,dick 0
 at once among fri5ds4  ,! "m _h no     

,engli%1 s smil$ expansively1 h] bony   
arms fold$ across h] /oma*4 ,h] olde/   
daught]1 a frail-look+ girl 9 ! tw5ties1
 b ) a sad & spiritual beauty ( !       
,madonna 9 h] big eyes & /raight black  
hair1 gave u a %y good-day4 ,?ree boys1 
j alike 9 _! sl5d]1 /olid ,indian good  
looks1 except t !y diff]$ 9 size1 nodd$ 
) ! awkw>dness ( ! male4 ,two babies />$
 solemnly4 ,a little girl ) a beautiful1
 oval face1 l>ge mis*iev\s gray eyes    
beh9d long black la%es1 a mis*iev\sly   
quirk$ m\? to mat* ! eyes1 & black hair 
bang$ /raight1 bo? front & beh9d1 9     
almo/ m$iaeval fa%ion1 twirk$ a pair (  
br[n b>e legs all ab\t u4 ,ano!r        
light-hair$1 curly little girl1 surm\nt$
 by an old ya*t+-cap1 spread ap>t /urdy 
%oes 9 an attitude at once critical &   
expectant4  ,dick rose to ! occasion by 
sort+ out f "s conceal$ recess ( 8      
g>m5ts a huge pap] p>cel ( c&y4  ,)     
inf9ite tact1 he pres5t$ ?is bag to     
,madame r ?an ! *ildr54 ,madame in/itut$
 judici\s di/ribution & appropriate     

res]vation = ! future4 ,we ent]$ ! cab94
  ,nev] h ,i se5 a place m exquisitely  
neat4 ,! floor _h n only be5 wa%$ clean2
 x _h be5 scrubb$ :ite4 ,! walls ( logs 
7 fre%ly :itewa%$4 ,! *airs 7 poli%$4 ,!
 few ornam5ts 7 new1 & n at all du/y or 
d+y or tawdry4 ,sev]al religi\s         
pictures1 a portrait ( royalty1 a       
li?ograph$ adv]tisem5t ( "s buggy1 a    
photograph or s--& !n j ! fre%1 :olesome
 cleanl9ess ( scrubb$ p9e4 ,madame made 
u welcome ) smiles--a fad$1 lean woman )
 a remnant ( beauty peep+ f h] s(t eyes1
 b worn d[n to ! fir/ pr9ciples ( pione]
 bone & gri/le by toil1 c>e1 & ! be>+ ( 
*ildr54 ,i spoke to h] 9 ,fr5*1         
complim5t+ h] on ! appe>ance ( ! place4 
,%e 0 g5u9ely pleas$1 say+ 9 reply t "o 
did "o's possible1 b t *ildr56--) an    
expressive pause4  ,next we call$ =     
volunte]s to %[ u to ! great-gr&fa!r4   
,our elfi% little girls at once (f]$1 & 
w5t danc+ (f d[n ! trail l autumn leaves
 9 a w9d4 ,:e!r x 0 ! ,indian 9 !m1 or !
 effects ( environm5t1 or m]ely our own 

imag9ations1 we bo? _h ! same ?\ght--t 9
 ^! /range1 taciturn1 fri5dly1 smil+1   
pir\ett+ little creatures 0 "s e]ie1    
wild /ra9 ak9 to ! woods & birds &      
animals4 ,z !y danc$ on ahead ( u1 turn+
 to ?r[ u a delici\s smile or a         
half-veil$ rogui% glance ( nasc5t       
coquetry1 we seem$ to sw+ into an orbit 
( exp]i5ce =eign to our own4 ,^!        
bright-ey$ woods p 7 9 ! la/ analysis z 
inscrutable to u z ! squirrels4  ,we    
foll[$ our swirl+1 airy guides d[n ?r\gh
 a trail to ano!r cle>+ plant$ )        
potatoes4 ,on ! f>!r side ( ?is !y      
/opp$1 h& 9 h&1 at ! woods' fr+e1 &     
await$ u 9 a />tl+ly sudd5 repose4      
,v'la le gran'pre1 said !y 9 unison4    
,at ! words a huge gaunt man clad 9 %irt
 & jeans arose & confront$ u4 ,our fir/ 
impression 0 ( a va/ framework /iff5$ & 
%runk5 into ! peculi> petrifaction (    
age2 our second1 ( a ,jove-l weal? (    
iron-gray be>d & hair2 our ?ird1 ( eyes1
 wide1 cle>1 & tir$ ) look+ out on a    
c5tury ( ! _w's "t4 ,8 movem5ts1 z he   

laid "o side 8 axe & pass$ a great1     
gn>l$ h& across 8 =ehead1 7 angul> &    
sl[4 ,we knew in/9ctively ! quality ( 8 
"w--a delib]ate pause1 a mighty bl[1    
ano!r pause1 a pa9ful recov]y--lab\r    
comp\nd$ ( inf9ite sl[ pati5ce1 b       
wond]fully effective 9 ! week's result4 
,x w\ld g on )\t ha/e1 )\t pause1       
inevitable z ! ye>s sl[ly clos+ ab\t !  
toil]4 ,8 m5tal processes w\ld be ( !   
same fibre4 ,! app>5t hesitation might  
seem to wa/e ! preci\s h\rs rema9+1 b 9 
! end1 :5 ! eng9e />t$1 x w\ld move     
surely & unsw]v+ly along ! appo9t$      
grooves4 ,9 8 weal? ( hair2 9 8 wide    
eyes1 l ! my/]i\s blanks ( a m>ble      
/atue2 9 8 huge frame1 gn>l$ & wa/$ to !
 /range1 impressive1 p[]ful age-quality 
( ,phidias's old m51 he seem$ to u to   
des]ve a wrea? & a m>ble seat ) /range  
inscriptions & ! graceful half-drap]ies 
( ano!r "t & a gr\p ( old ,greeks l     
himself ) :om to ex*ange sl[ s5t5ces on 
! body politic4 ,inde$1 ! fact t 8 seat 
0 ( fall5 p9e1 & 8 drap]ies ( butt]nut  

br[n1 & 8 audi5ce two half-bre$ *ildr51 
an arti/1 & a writ]1 & 8 body politic   
two hundr$ acres 9 ! wild]ness1 did n   
fil* f him ! impressiv5ess ( 8 e/ate4   
,he 0 a ,patri>*4 ,x did n ne$ ! p>k (  
bir* trees1 ! grass b5ea? !m slop+ d[n  
to ! wat]1 ! wood$ knoll fairly insi/+  
on a spaci\s mansion1 to sub/antiate    
,dick's fancy t he _h discov]$ an       
ance/or4  ,neat piles ( bru%1 equally   
neat piles ( cord-wood1 knee-high /umps 
z cleanly cut z by a saw1 atte/$ ! old  
man's effici5cy4 ,we conv]s$4  ,yes1    
said he1 ! soil 0 good4 ,x is labori\s  
to cle> away ! =e/4 ,/ill1 "o arrives4  
,m'sieu has b to look4 ,9 ! memory ( 8  
olde/ gr&son1 ev51 all ?is 0 a =e/4 ,le 
bon ,dieu _h bless$ him4 ,8 family 0    
l>ge4 ,yes1 x 0 z ,m'sieu said1         
eighty-sev5--t is1 c\nt+ himself4 ,!    
soil 0 n wond]ful4 ,x is inde$ a l>ge   
family & mu* lab\r1 b someh[ !re 0      
always food = all4 ,= 8 "p he _h a great
 pity = ^? :om ,god _h n bless$4 ,x mu/ 
be v lonesome )\t *ildr54  ,we sp>$ a   

private ?\ght t ?is old man 0 c]ta9ly 9 
no dang] ( lonel9ess4  ,yes1 he w5t on1 
he 0 old--eighty-five4 ,he 0 n z quick z
 he us$ to be2 he left t = ! "y ones4   
,/ill1 he c\ld d a day's "w4 ,he 0 mo/  
pr\d to h made ^! g5tlem5's acqua9tance4
 ,he wi%$ u good-day4  ,we left him     
seat$ on ! p9e log1 8 axe betwe5 8      
knees1 8 great1 gn>l$ br[n h&s hang+    
idly4 ,aft] a "t we he>d ! :ack ( 8     
implem5t2 !n aft] ano!r long "t we he>d 
x :ack aga94 ,we knew t ^? two bl[s _h  
gone /raight & true & =ceful to ! m>k4  
,s old a man _h no en]gy to exp5d 9 !   
indirections ( ha/e4  ,our elfi% guides 
l$ u back along ! trail to ! f>mh\se4 ,a
 girl ( ?irte5 _h j arriv$ f s*ool4 ,9 !
 summ] ! little ones divid$ !           
educational advantages among !mselves1  
turn & turn ab\t4  ,! newcom] _h be5 out
 into ! _w1 & 0 dress$ accord+ly4 ,a    
neat d>k-blue clo? dress1 pla9ly made1 a
 dull r$ & blue *eck$ apron2 a broad1   
r\nd hat1 %oes & /ock+s1 all 9 ! be/ &  
quiete/ ta/e--m>k$ contra/ to ! usual   

g>i% ,sunday be/ ( ! ,anglo-,saxon4 ,%e 
h]self exemplifi$ ! mo/ /rik+ type (    
beauty to be f\nd 9 ! mix$ bloods4 ,h]  
hair 0 ?ick & glossy & black 9 ! mode t 
?r[s deep purple %ad[s "u ! rolls &     
coils4 ,h] face 0 a regul> oval1 l !    
op5+ 9 a wi%bone4 ,h] sk9 0 d>k1 b ri* &
 dusky ) life & r$ blood t ebb$ & fl[$ )
 h] %yness4 ,h] lips 7 full1 & ( a d>k  
*]ry r$4 ,h] eyes 7 deep1 r mus+1 &     
furni%$ ) ! mo/ glori\sly tangl+ (      
eyela%es4 ,dick w5t into ec/asies1 took 
sev]al photographs :i* did n turn out   
well1 & made "o sket* :i* did4          
,p]petually did he bewail ! abs5ce (    
oils4 ,! type is n uncommon1 b its      
beauty r>ely rema9s p]fect aft] !       
fifte5? ye>4  ,we made our c]emoni\s    
adieus to ! ,madame1 & />t$ back to t[n 
"u ! guidance ( "o ( ! boys1 :o promis$ 
u a %ort cut4  ,?is y\? prov$ to be     
fill$ ) ! old1 w&]+ _s t lures s _m ( 8 
race into ! wild]ness life4 ,he confid$ 
to u z we walk$ t he lik$ to tramp      
ext5d$ di/ances1 & t ! days 7 really n  

made long en\gh = ^? :o _h to return    
home at night4  ,i is be5 top ( dose    
hills1 he said4 ,bime by ,i mak' heem g 
to dose lak' beyon'4  ,he told u t "s   
day he hop$ to g out ) ! fur trad]s4 ,9 
8 vocabul>y ,i wi% occurr$ ) su* wi/ful 
frequ5cy t f9ally ,i inquir$ curi\sly   
:at use he w\ld make ( ! ,fairy ,gift4  
,if y c\ld h j "o wi% come true1 ,pi]re1
 ,i ask$1 :at w\ld y desire8  ,8 answ]  
came )\t a mom5t's hesitation4  ,i is   
lak' be "o giant1 said he4  ,:y8 ,i     
dem&$4  ,s ,i c mak' heem de walk f>1 he
 repli$ simply4  ,i 0 tempt$ to po9t out
 to him ! fact t big m5 d n outla/ !    
little m51 & t va/ /r5g? r>ely endures1 
b !n a bett] feel+ p]suad$ me to leave  
him 8 illusions4 ,! p[]1 ev5 9 fancy1 ( 
/rid+ on sev5-league boots across !     
fasc9ations spread out bel[ 8 k9dl+     
vision f dose hills 0 too preci\s a     
possession lightly to be tak5 away4     
,/rangely en\gh1 ?\gh 8 woodcraft       
naturally 0 n inconsid]able1 x did n    
hold 8 p>am\nt int]e/4 ,he knew some?+  

ab\t animals & _! ways & _! me?ods (    
capture1 b ! *ase did n appeal /rongly  
to him1 nor app>5tly did he possess mu* 
skill along t l9e4 ,he lik$ ! actual    
physical lab\r1 ! walk+1 ! paddl+1 !    
tump-l9e1 ! camp-mak+1 ! new c\ntry1 !  
companion%ip ( ! wild life1 ! wild]ness 
z a :ole r ?an 9 any "o ( its s+le      
aspects z ,fi% ,pond1 ,game ,pres]ve1   
,picture ,gall]y4 ,9 ?is he %[$ ! true  
_s ( ! voyageur4 ,i %\ld confid5tly look
 to meet him 9 ano!r t5 ye>s--if ?reats 
( railroads sp>e ! ,f> ,nor? s          
long--girdl$ ) ! r$ sa%1 %od 9 sil5t    
moccas9s1 b5d+ b5ea? ! portage load1    
troll+ ,isabeau to ! sil5t l& some:]e "u
 ! ,arctic ,circle4 ,! ,fr5* ( ! ,nor? h
 nev] be5 great fight]s nor great       
hunt]s1 9 ! t]ms ( ! ,anglo-,saxon      
fronti]sm51 b !y h laugh$ 9 f>!r places4
     ,,xii4  ,,! ,,riv]4   ,at a c]ta9  
spot on ! ,nor? ,%ore--,i am n go+ to   
tell y :]e--y bo>d "o ( ! two or ?ree   
fi%+-/eam]s t collect f ! diff]5t       
/ations ! big ice-boxes ( ,lake ,sup]ior

 :itefi%4 ,aft] a c]ta9 numb] ( h\rs--,i
 am n go+ to tell y h[ _m--y\r craft w  
turn 9 t[>d a semicircle ( bold1        
beautiful hills1 t seem at fir/ to be _m
 less miles di/ant ?an ! reality1 & at !
 la/ to be _m m miles remote ?an is !   
fact4 ,f ! pr[ y w make out fir/ a uni=m
 velvet gre52 !n ! diff]5tiation ( _m   
%ades2 !n ! dull neutrals ( rocks &     
crags2 f9ally ! n>r[ :ite ( a pebble    
bea* aga9/ :i* ! waves utt] cont9ually a
 rattl+ und]tone4 ,! /eam] pu%es boldly 
94 ,! cool gre5 ( ! wat] und]nea? *anges
 to gray4 ,sudd5ly y make out ! bottom1 
z ?r\gh a ?ick gre5 glass1 & ! big      
suck]s & catfi% idl+ ov] its riffl$ s&s1
 inconceivably f> d[n ?r\gh !           
unbelievably cle> liquid4 ,s absorb$ are
 y 9 ?is m>vell\s cl>ity t a slight1    
gr9d+ j> alone br+s y to y\rself4 ,!    
/eam]'s nose is actually t\*+ ! :ite    
/rip ( pebbles6  ,n[ y c d "o ( a numb] 
( ?+s4 ,! =e/ slants d[n to y\r feet 9  
dw9dl+ scrub1 :i* half conceals an      
ab&on$ log /ructure4 ,?is latt] is ! old

 ,hudson's ,bay po/4 ,beh9d x is ! ,fur 
,trail1 & ! ,fur ,trail w take y ?ree   
miles to ,burn$ ,rock ,pool1 :]e are    
spr+ wat] & mighty tr\t4 ,b aga91 half a
 mile to ! left1 is ! m\? ( ! ,riv]4 ,& 
! ,riv] me&]s *>m+ly ?r\gh ! woods ( !  
flat c\ntry ov] numb]less riffles &     
rapids1 b5ea? v>i\s /eep gravel banks1  
until x sweeps boldly "u ! cliff ( !    
fir/ high hill4 ,!re a rugg$ precipice  
rises %e] & jagg$ & damp-d>k to ov]hang+
 trees cl++ to ! %\ld] ( ! m\nta94 ,&   
precisely at t spot is a b5d :]e ! wat] 
hits squ>e1 to divide "r & left 9       
:it5ess1 to swirl into convolutions (   
foam1 to lurk d>kly = a mom5t on ! edge 
( tumult be=e rac+ away4 ,& !re y c /&  
hip-deep1 & j rea* ! eddy foam ) a ca/  
ti$ craftily ( ,royal ,coa*man1         
,p>ma*5ee ,belle1 & ,montreal4  ,f t    
po9t y are ) ! hills4 ,!y draw back to  
leave wide =e/1 b always !y return to ! 
,riv]--z y w\ld return season aft]      
season 7 ,i to tell y h[--?r[+ across   
y\r woods-progress a %e] cliff =ty or   

fifty feet high1 %\ld]+ y incont95tly   
into ! necessity ( =d+ to ! o!r side4 ,m
 & m jeal\s !y become z y p5etrate1     
until at ! ,big ,falls !y close 9       
entirely1 w>n+ y t "h !y take !         
wild]ness to !mselves4 ,at ! ,big ,falls
 angl]s make _! la/ camp4 ,ab\t ! fire  
!y may discuss idly v>i\s academic      
que/ions--z to :e!r ! great inaccessible
 pool bel[ ! ,falls really conta9s !    
leg5d>y ,bigge/ ,tr\t2 :at direction !  
,riv] takes above2 :e!r x really becomes
 no?+ b a s]ies ( /agnant pools connect$
 by sluggi% wat]-rea*es2 :e!r !re are   
any tr\t above ! ,falls2 & s on4  ,^!   
que/ions1 z ,i h said1 are m]ely        
academic4 ,y\r true angl] is a          
philosoph]4 ,en\gh is to him wor? fifte5
 c\rses1 & if ! f9ite m9d ( man c\ld    
imag9e any?+ to be desir$ z an addition 
to 8 pres5t possessions on ! ,riv]1 he  
at lea/ kn[s no?+ ( x4 ,already he      
comm&s t5 miles ( wat]--swift1 cle>     
wat]--runn+ ov] /one1 ?r\gh a fre%et b$ 
s _m hundr$s ( feet wide t he has =gott5

 :at x means to gu>d 8 back ca/4 ,x is  
to be wad$ 9 ! riffles1 s t he c cross f
 "o %ore to ! o!r z ! mood suits him4   
,"o bank is apt to be precipit\s1 ! o!r 
to /ret* away 9 a mile or s ( ! coole/1 
gre5e/1 /ille/ primeval =e/ to be       
imag9$4 ,?us he c cut across ! wide b5ds
 ( ! ,riv]1 %\ld he s desire & %\ld ha/e
 be necess>y to make camp be=e d>k4 ,&1 
la/1 b n lea/ by any mann] ( means1 !re 
are tr\t4  ,i mean real tr\t--big       
fell[s1 ! k9d ! fi%]s ( little /reams   
dream ( b awake to call ,morpheus a li>1
 j z !y are too polite to call y a li>  
:5 y are s indiscreet z to tell !m a few
 pla9 facts4 ,i h "o solemnly atte/$ &  
witness$ record ( tw5ty-n9e in*es1      
caught 9 runn+ wat]4 ,i saw a fri5d l&  
on "o ca/ ?ree ^: aggregate weight 0 f\r
 & "o half p\nds4 ,i witness$1 & p>tly  
%>$1 an excit+ /ruggle 9 :i* ?ree fi% on
 ?ree rods 7 play$ 9 ! same pool at !   
same "t4 ,!y weigh$ j f\rte5 p\nds4 ,"o 
pool1 a backset1 0 kn[n z ! ,idiot's    
,delight1 because any "o c\ld cat* fi%  

!re4 ,i h la9 on my /oma* at ! ,burn$   
,rock ,pool & se5 ! great fi% ly+ s     
close toge!r z ne>ly to cov] ! bottom1  
rank aft] rank ( !m1 & ! smalle/ n "u a 
half p\nd4 ,z to ! l>ge/--well1 e true  
fi%]man kn[s him6  ,s x came ab\t = _m  
ye>s t ! natural b>ri] int]pos$ by !    
,big ,falls successfully turn$ ! idle   
tide ( angl]s' exploration4 ,beyond !m  
lay an unkn[n c\ntry1 b y _h to climb   
cruelly to see x1 & y c\ldn't ga9 above 
:at y already _h 9 any case4 ,! ne>e/   
settlem5t 0 ne>ly sixty miles away1 s   
ev5 add$ isolation _h n its usual       
quick5+ effect on camp]'s ef=t4 ,! ,riv]
 is visit$ by few1 anyway4 ,an          
occasional adv5tur\s /eam ya*t pauses at
 ! m\?1 fi%es a few little ones f !     
%all[ pools !re1 or a few big ones f !  
reefs1 & pu%es on4 ,x nev] dreams ( s5d+
 an exp$ition to ! int]ior4 ,our own p1 
& two o!r p>ties1 are all ,i "k ( :o    
visit ! ,riv] regul>ly4 ,our camp-sites 
alone break ! =e/2 our blazes alone     
cont9ue ! initial %ort cut ( ! ,fur     

,trail2 our names alone di/+ui% ! v>i\s 
pools4 ,we _h always be5 satisfi$ to    
compromise ) ! fr[n+ ,hills4 ,9 return =
 ! delici\s necks & po9ts & =e/ areas   
?r\gh :i* our clipp$ trails ran1 we _h  
tacitly respect$ ! my/]y ( ! upp]       
rea*es4  ,?is ye>1 h[ev]1 a numb] (     
unusual conditions *ang$ our _s4 ,i h   
p]haps neglect$ to /ate t our trip up to
 n[ _h be5 a r s+ul>ly damp "o4 ,( !    
fir/ f\rte5 days twelve _h be5 ra9y4    
,?is 0 only a slightly exagg]at$ sample 
= ! re/ ( ! "t4 ,z a consequ5ce we f\nd 
! ,riv] fill$ ev5 to ! limit ( its      
fre%et banks4 ,! broad bord]s ( /one    
bea* betwe5 ! /ream's edge & ! bu%es _h 
q disappe>$2 ! riffles _h become rapids1
 & ! rapids ro>+ torr5ts2 ! b5ds boil$  
angrily ) a sma%+ eddy t suck$ air into 
pir\ett+ cavities in*es 9 dep?4 ,pla9ly1
 fly-fi%+ 0 out ( ! "q4 ,no             
self-respect+ tr\t w\ld rise to !       
surface ( su* a moil1 or ab&on =        
syllabubs ( t9sel ! magnific5t          
solidities ( gr\nd-bait su* a fre%et    

w\ld br+ d[n f ! hills4 ,also ! ,riv] 0 
un=dable4  ,we made camp at ! m\? &     
consult$ toge!r4 ,billy1 ! half-bre$ :o 
_h jo9$ u = ! lab\r ( a p]man5t camp1   
%ook 8 head4  ,i t'ink "o week1 t5 day1 
he v\*saf$4 ,p'rhaps %e g d[n d54 ,we   
mus' wait4 ,we did n want to wait2 !    
idl5ess ( a p]man5t camp is ! mo/ deadly
 9 ! _w4  ,billy1 said ,i1 h y ev] be5  
above ! ,big ,falls8  ,! half-bre$'s    
eyes fla%$4  ,non1 he repli$ simply4 ,b1
 ,i lak' mak' heem firs' rate4  ,all "r1
 ,billy2 we'll d x4  ,! next day x ra9$1
 & ! ,riv] w5t up two in*es4 ,! morn+   
foll[+ 0 fair en\gh1 b s cold y c\ld see
 y\r brea?4 ,we began to exp]im5t4  ,n[1
 ?is exp$ition _h become a fi%+         
vacation1 s we _h all ! com=ts ( home ) 
u4 ,:5 said com=ts ( home 7 lad5 into ! 
canoe1 !re rema9$ =w>d & aft j ab\t "o  
squ>e foot ( space = ,billy & me1 & n   
ov] two in*es ( freebo>d = ! ,riv]4 ,we 
c\ld n /& up & pole2 track+ ) a t[-l9e 0
 out ( ! "q1 because !re exi/$ no banks 
on :i* to walk2 ! curr5t 0 too swift =  

paddl+4 ,s we knelt & pol$4 ,we knew x  
be=e1 b we _h to be conv9c$ by trial1 t 
two in*es ( freebo>d w dip "u ! mo/     
g+]ly ef=t4 ,x did s4 ,we groan$1 /epp$ 
out into ice-wat] up to our wai/s1 & s  
began ! day's j\rney ) fleet+ ref]5ce to
 ,dante's ne!rmo/ hell4  ,next ! %ore ! 
wat] 0 mo/ ( ! "t a little above our    
knees1 b ! swirl ( a ru%+ curr5t br\ght 
an apron ( foam to our hips4 ,billy took
 ! b[ & pull$2 ,i took ! /]n & pu%$4 ,9 
places our comb9$ ef=ts c\ld b j        
c\nt]balance ! /r5g? ( ! curr5t4 ,!n    
,billy _h to hang on until ,i c\ld get  
my %\ld] aga9/ ! /]n = a mighty heave1 !
 few in*es ga9 ( :i* he w\ld gu>d z     
jeal\sly z possible1 until ,i c\ld get  
into position = ano!r %ove4 ,at o!r     
places we 7 9 ne>ly to our armpits1 b   
close "u ! banks :]e we c\ld help       
ourselves by seiz+ bu%es4  ,sometimes ,i
 lo/ my foot+ entirely & trail$ out     
beh9d l a /ream]2 sometimes ,billy w\ld 
be swept away1 ! canoe's b[ w\ld sw+    
d[n-/ream1 & ,i w\ld h to dig my heels &

 hang on until he _h fl\nd]$ upright4   
,=tunately = our provisions1 ?is nev]   
happ5$ to bo? at ! same "t4 ,!          
difficulties 7 /ill fur!r complicat$ by 
! fact t our feet spe$ily became s numb 
f ! cold t we c\ld n feel ! bottom1 & s 
7 mu* incl9$ to aimless /umbl+s4        
,by-&-by we got out & kick$ trees to />t
 ! circulation4 ,9 ! meantime ! sun _h  
retir$ beh9d ?ick1 lead5 cl\ds4  ,at !  
,fir/ ,b5d we 7 =c$ to c>ry "s fifty    
feet4 ,!re ! ,riv] ru%$ d[n 9 a smoo?   
apron /raight aga9/ ! cliff1 :]e its =ce
 actually rais$ ! mass ( wat] a good    
?ree feet high] ?an ! level ( ! surr\nd+
 pool4 ,i ti$ on a bait-hook1 & two     
c>tridges = s9k]s1 & 9 fifte5 m9utes _h 
caught ?ree tr\t1 "o ( :i* weigh$ ?ree  
p\nds1 & ! o!rs two p\nds & a p\nd & a  
half respectively4 ,at ?is po9t ,dick & 
,deuce1 :o _h be5 p>allel+ ?r\gh !      
woods1 jo9$ u4 ,we broil$ ! tr\t1 &     
boil$ tea1 & %iv]$ z ne> ! fire z we    
c\ld4 ,t aft]noon1 by d9t ( lab\r &     
lab\r1 & yet m lab\r1 we made ,burn$    

,rock1 & !re we camp$ = ! night1 utt]ly 
beat5 out by ab\t z h>d a day's travel z
 a man w\ld want to und]take4  ,! foll[+
 day 0 ev5 worse1 = z ! natural b$ ( !  
,riv] n>r[$1 we f\nd less & less foot+ &
 swift] & swift] wat]4 ,! j\rney to     
,burn$ ,rock _h be5 a matt] ( dogg$ h>d 
"w2 ?is 0 an affair ( al]tness1 ( tak+  
advantage ( e little eddy1 ( brea?less  
susp5se dur+ long seconds :ile ! "q (   
supremacy betwe5 our /r5g? & ! /ream's 0
 be+ debat$4 ,& ! !rmomet] mu/ h regi/]$
 well t[>ds freez+4 ,?ree times we 7 =c$
 to cross ! ,riv] 9 ord] to get ev5     
prec>i\s foot+4 ,^? 7 ! really d\btful  
mom5ts4 ,we _h to get 9 c>efully1 to sit
 craftily1 & to paddle g+]ly & firmly1  
)\t attempt+ to c\nt]act ! d[nw>d sweep 
( ! curr5t4 ,all our en]gies & c>e 7    
giv5 to prev5t+ ^? mis]able curl+ little
 waves f ov]-topp+ our preci\s two      
in*es1 & t mis]able little canoe f      
dep>t+ ev5 by a hair's-bread? f !       
exactly level keel4 ,:]e we 7 go+ did n 
matt]4 ,aft] an int]m9able int]val !    

tail ( our eyes w\ld cat* ! sway ( bu%es
 ne> at h&4  ,n[1 ,billy w\ld mutt]     
ab/ract$ly4  ,) "o accord we w\ld arise 
f six in*es ( wet & /ep swiftly into !  
,riv]4 ,! light5$ canoe w\ld /ra9 back2 
we w\ld brace our legs4 ,! trav]se 0    
accompli%$4  ,illu/ration3 ,,wat*$ ,,!  
,,long ,,nor? ,,c\ntry ,,twilight ,,/eal
 ,,up ,,l ,a ,,gray ,,cl\d ,,f ,,!      
,,ea/4  ,be+ ?us "u ! o!r bank1 ,i w\ld 
hold ! canoe :ile ,billy1 a/raddle ! o!r
 end = ! purpose ( depress+ ! wat] to )9
 rea* ( 8 h&1 w\ld bail away !          
consequ5ces ( our cross+4 ,!n we w\ld   
make up ! qu>t] ( a mile we _h lo/4  ,we
 quit at ! ,organ ,pool ab\t ?ree       
o'clock ( ! aft]noon4 ,n mu* 0 said t   
ev5+4  ,! day foll[+ we ti$ into x aga94
 ,?is "t we put ,dick & ,deuce on an old
 ,indian trail t promis$ a %ort cut1 )  
in/ructions to wait at ! end ( x4 ,9 !  
joy\s anticipation ( ano!r wet day we   
=got !y _h nev] be=e foll[$ an ,indian  
trail4 ,let u n[ turn aside to !        
adv5tures ( ,dick & ,deuce4  ,be x      

premis$ "h t ,dick is a regul> ,indian (
 taciturnity :5 x becomes a "q ( 8 own  
exp]i5ce1 s t = a long "t we knew ( :at 
foll[s b ! s+le explanatory monosyllable
 :i* y %all read 9 due "t4 ,b ,dick has 
a belov$ uncle4 ,9 mom5ts ( expansion to
 ?is relative aft] 8 return he held =? z
 to ! happ5+s ( t morn+4  ,dick & !     
sett] manag$ ! ,indian trail = ab\t     
tw5ty rods4 ,!y ?\ght !y manag$ x =     
p]haps twice t di/ance4 ,!n x became    
borne 9 on !m t ! bu%es w5t back1 ! fa9t
 knife-clipp+s1 & ! half wea!r-br[n$    
bru%-cutt+s t alone con/itute an ,indian
 trail _h tak5 ano!r direction1 & t !y  
_h n[ _! own way to make ?r\gh ! =e/4   
,dick knew ! direction well en\gh1 s he 
broke ahead confid5tly4 ,aft] a         
half-h\r's walk he cross$ a t9y         
/reamlet4 ,aft] ano!r half-h\r's walk he
 came to ano!r4 ,x 0 fl[+ ! wrong way4  
,dick did n und]/& ?is4 ,he _h nev] kn[n
 ( little /reams fl[+ away f riv]s &    
t[>ds eight-hundr$-foot hills4 ,?is     
might be a loop1 ( c\rse4 ,he resolv$ to

 foll[ x up-/ream f> en\gh to settle !  
po9t4 ,! foll[+ br\ght him 9 "t to a    
soggy little ?icket ) ?ree areas (      
moss-cov]$ mud & two r\nd1 pellucid     
pools ( wat] ab\t a foot 9 diamet]4 ,z !
 little /ream _h w\nd & twi/$1 ,dick _h 
by n[ lo/ entirely 8 s5se ( direction4  
,he fi%$ out 8 compass & set x on a     
rock4 ,! ,riv] fl[s ne>ly nor?-ea/ to ! 
,big ,falls1 & ,dick knew himself to be 
some:]e ea/ ( ! ,riv]4 ,! compass appe>$
 to be wrong4 ,dick 0 a y\? ( s5se1 s he
 did n qu>rel ) ! compass2 he m]ely     
became d\btful z to :i* 0 ! nor? end ( !
 ne$le--! :ite or ! black4 ,aft] a few  
mom5ts' puzzl+ he 0 q at sea1 & c\ld no 
m rememb] h[ he _h be5 taught z to ?is  
?an y c cl9* ! spell+ ( a d\btful ^w    
aft] y h tri$ on pap] a doz5 v>iations4 
,b be+ a y\? ( s5se he did n des]t !    
/reamlet4  ,aft] a %ort half-mile (     
/umbl+ ! app>5t wrong direction 9 !     
brook's b$1 he came to ! ,riv]4 ,! ,riv]
 0 also fl[+ ! wrong way1 & uphill4     
,dick sat d[n & cov]$ 8 eyes ) 8 h&s1 z 

,i _h told him to d 9 l in/ance1 & s    
manag$ to sw+ ! c\ntry ar\nd :]e x      
belong$4  ,n[ "h 0 ! ,riv]--& ,dick     
resolv$ to des]t x = no m %ort cuts--b  
:]e 0 ! canoe8  ,?is po9t rema9$        
unsettl$ 9 ,dick's m9d1 or r x 0        
alt]nately settl$ 9 two ways4 ,sometimes
 ! boy conclud$ we mu/ be /ill bel[ him1
 s he w\ld sit on a rock to wait4 ,!n1  
aft] a few mom5ts1 inactivity w\ld br+  
him panic4 ,! canoe mu/ h pass$ ?is po9t
 long s9ce1 & e second he wa/$ /upidly  
sitt+ on t /one sep>at$ him f>!r f 8    
fri5ds & f food4 ,!n he w\ld te> madly  
?r\gh ! =e/4 ,deuce enjoy$ ?is game1 b  
,dick did n4  ,9 "t ,dick f\nd 8 f>!r   
progress along ! banks cut (f by a hill4
 ,! hill end$ abruptly at ! wat]'s edge 
9 a %e] rock cliff ?irty feet high4 ,?is
 0 9 reality ! end ( ! ,indian trail    
%ort cut--! po9t :]e ,dick 0 to meet    
u--b he did n "k x4 ,he happ5$ = ! mom5t
 to be obsess$ by "o ( 8 canoe up-/ream 
panics1 s he turn$ inl& to a spot :]e ! 
hill appe>$ climbable1 & />t$ 9 to      

surm\nt ! ob/ruction4  ,?is 0           
comp>atively easy at fir/4 ,!n ! %\ld] (
 ! cliff int]v5$4 ,dick m\nt$ /ill a    
little high] up ! hill1 !n high]1 !n    
/ill high]4 ,f> d[n to 8 left1 ?r\gh !  
trees1 broil$ ! ,riv]4 ,! slope ( ! hill
 to x _h become /eep] ?an a ro(1 & at ! 
edge ( ! eaves came a cliff drop ( ?irty
 feet4 ,dick pick$ 8 way g+]ly ov] curv+
 moss-b$s1 assi/+ 8 balance by a numb] (
 little c$> trees4 ,!n some?+ happ5$4   
,dick says ! side ( ! hill slid out f "u
 him4 ,! fact ( ! matt] is1 probably1 ! 
sk9-moss ov] loose r\nd$ /ones gave way4
 ,dick sat d[n & began sl[ly to bump d[n
 ! slant ( ! ro(4 ,he nev] really lo/ 8 
equilibrium1 nor until ! la/ t5 feet did
 he ab&on ! hope ( *eck+ 8 desc5t4      
,sometimes he did actually succe$ 9     
/opp+ himself = a mom5t2 b on 8 attempt+
 to foll[ up ! advantage1 ! moss always 
slipp$ or ! sapl+ let g a t5u\s hold &  
he cont9u$ on d[n4 ,at la/ ! ,riv] fla%$
 out bel[ him4 ,he saw ! %e] drop4 ,he  
saw ! boil+ eddies ( ! ,halfway ,pool1  

capable ( suck+ d[n a saw-log4 ,!n1 ) a 
f9al ru% ( loose r\nd /ones1 he %ot !   
*utes feet fir/ into space4  ,9 !       
meantime ,billy & ,i repeat$ our        
exp]i5ce ( ! two previ\s days1 ) a few  
v>iations caus$ by ! necessity ( pass+  
two exceptionally ugly rapids ^: banks  
left little foot+4 ,we did ?is          
prec>i\sly1 ) a rope4 ,! cold wat] 0    
beg9n+ to tell on our vitality1 s t     
twice we w5t a%ore & made hot tea4 ,j   
bel[ ! ,halfway ,pool we began to d a   
little figur+ ahead1 :i* is a bad ?+4 ,!
 ,halfway ,pool meant mu* inevitable    
lab\r1 ) its two swift rapids & its     
swirl+1 eddies1 z s$ul\sly to be avoid$ 
z s _m /eel be>-traps4 ,!n !re 7 a doz5 
o!rs1 & ! ?ree miles ( riffles1 & all ! 
re/ ( x4 ,at our pres5t rate x w\ld take
 u a week to make ! ,falls4 ,bel[ !     
,halfway ,pool we look$ = ,dick4 ,he 0 n
 to be se54 ,?is made u cross4 ,at !    
,halfway ,pool we int5d$ to unload =    
portage1 & also to f]ry ov] ,dick & !   
sett] 9 ! light5$ canoe4 ,! t>d9ess (   

,dick delay$ ! game4  ,h[ev]1 we drew   
a%ore to ! little cle>+ ( ! ,halfway    
,camp1 made ! ye> be=e1 & we>ily dis*>g$
 our c>go4 ,sudd5ly1 up/ream1 & app>5tly
 up 9 ! air1 we he>d di/9ctly ! excit$  
yap ( a dog4 ,billy & ,i look$ at ea*   
o!r4 ,!n we look$ up/ream4  ,close "u ! 
p]p5dicul> wall ( rock1 & fifty feet f !
 end ( x1 wai/ deep 9 wat] t swirl$     
angrily ab\t him1 /ood ,dick4  ,i knew  
well en\gh :at he 0 /&+ on--a little    
l$ge ( %ale n ov] five or six feet 9    
l5g? & two feet wide--= 9 l[] wat] ,i _h
 (t5 f its advantage ca/ a fly d[n bel[ 
! big b\ld]4 ,b ,i knew x to be surr\nd$
 by wat] fifte5 feet deep4 ,x 0         
impossible to wade to ! spot1 impossible
 to swim to x4 ,& :y 9 ! "n ( all !     
woods gods w\ld a man want to wade or   
swim to x if he c\ld8 ,! affair1 to our 
cold-b5umb$ intellects1 0 simply        
incompreh5sible4  ,billy & ,i spoke no  
^w4 ,we sil5tly1 p]haps a little        
fe>fully1 laun*$ ! empty canoe4 ,!n we  
w5t into a space ( wat] ^: tread+ prov$ 

u no angels4 ,f ! slack wat] "u ! cliff 
we took ano!r look4 ,x 0 inde$ ,dick4   
,he c>ri$ a rod-case 9 "o h&4 ,8        
fi%-creel lay aga9/ 8 hip4 ,8 broad hat 
sat accurately level on 8 head4 ,8 face 
0 imp]turbable4 ,above1 ,deuce agoniz$1 
afraid to leap into ! /ream1 b conv9c$ t
 8 duty requir$ him to d s4  ,we /eadi$ 
! canoe :ile ,dick climb$ 94 ,y w\ld h  
?\ght he 0 emb>k+ at ! regul>ly appo9t$ 
r5dezv\s4 ,9 sil5ce we %ot ! rapids1 &  
collect$ ,deuce f ! end ( ! trail1 :i!r 
he foll[$ u4 ,9 sil5ce we work$ our way 
across to :]e our duffel lay scatt]$4 ,9
 sil5ce we disemb>k$4  ,9 ,heav5's "n1  
,dick1 ,i dem&$ at la/1 h[ did y get    
!re8  ,fell1 said he1 succ9ctly4 ,& t 0 
all4     ,,xiii4  ,,! ,,hills4   ,we    
expla9$ c>efully to ,dick t he _h lit on
 ! only spot 9 ! ,halfway ,pool :]e !   
wat] 0 at once deep en\gh to break 8    
fall & n too deep to /& 94 ,we also     
po9t$ out t he _h escap$ be+ telescop$  
or dr[n$ by ! m]e/ hair's-bread?4 ,f ?is
 we drew moral conclusions4 ,x did u    

good1 b und\bt$ly ,dick knew x already4 
,n[ we gave our att5tion to ! wetness ( 
g>m5ts1 = we 7 *ill$ blue4 ,a big fire &
 a clo!s-rack ( =k$ /icks & a sapl+1 an 
op5-air *ange1 a lun* ( hot tea & tr\t &
 cold galette & beans1 a pipe--& !n !   
inevitable summ+ up4  ,we _h 9 two & a  
half days made ! easi] half ( ! di/ance 
to ! ,falls4 ,at ?is rate we w\ld       
consume a week or m 9 rea*+ ! />t+-po9t 
( our explorations4 ,x 0 a "q :e!r we   
c\ld /& a week ( ice-wat] & ! heavy     
lab\r comb9$4 ,ord9>ily we might be able
 to ab&on ! canoe & pu% on afoot1 z we 7
 accu/om$ to d :5 tr\t-fi%+1 b t involv$
 =d+ ! riv] ?ree times--a feat manife/ly
 impossible 9 pres5t fre%et conditions4 
,i t'ink we quit heem1 said ,billy4  ,b 
!n ,i 0 seiz$ ) an inspiration4 ,judg+  
by ! configuration ( ! hills1 ! ,riv]   
b5t %>ply above ! ,falls4 ,:y w\ld x n  
be possible to cut loose entirely at ?is
 po9t1 to /rike across ?r\gh ! =e/1 & s 
to come out on ! upp] rea*es8 ,rema9$   
only ! probability ( our be+ able1      

encumb]$ by a pack1 to scale ! m\nta9s4 
,billy1 said ,i1 h y ev] be5 ov] 9 ^?   
hills84  ,no1 said he4  ,d y "k any?+   
ab\t ! c\ntry8 ,are !re any trails8     
,dat c\ntree is belong ,tawab9isy4 ,he  
"k heem4 ,i don' "k heem4 ,i t'ink he is
 h _m hills1 "s lak'4  ,d y ?9k we c    
climb ^? hills ) packs8  ,billy ca/ a   
d\btful glance on ,dick4 ,!n 8 eye lit  
up4  ,tawab9isy is tell me 'b\t dat     
,lak' ,kawgama4 ,p'rhaps we f9e heem4   
,9 s say+ ,billy decid$ ! attempt4 ,:at 
angl] on ! ,riv] has n discuss$--aga9   
idly1 aga9 academically--t my/]i\s ,lake
 alive ) ! burni%$ copp] tr\t1 ly+ hidd5
 & wond]ful 9 ! high hills1 cle> z      
cry/al1 bottom$ ) gravel l a f\nta91    
%ap$ l a great cresc5t ^: curves 7      
haunt$ ( =e/ trees grim & awesome ) !   
solemnity ( ! primeval8 ,t its exact    
location 0 kn[n to ,tawab9isy alone1 t !
 trail to x 0 purposely bl9d$ & muddl$ )
 ! cross+ ( _m little ponds1 t ! r\te 0 
labori\s--all ^? ?+s1 along ) ! m9or    
details s de> to w9t] fire-*ats1 7      

matt]s ( notoriety4 ,probably m         
exp$itions to ,kawgama h be5 plann$--9  
,febru>y--?an w\ld fill a volume ) an   
acc\nt ( anticipat$ adv5tures4 ,only1   
none ( !m ev] came (f4 ,we 7 accu/om$ to
 gaze at ! =bidd5 cliff ramp>ts ( !     
hills1 to ?9k ( ! ,idiot's ,delight1 & !
 ,halfway ,pool1 & ! ,organ ,pool1 & !  
,burn$ ,rock ,pool1 & ! ,roll+ ,/one    
,pool1 & all ! re/ ( !m ev5 up to ! ,big
 ,falls2 & s we w\ld quietly all[ our   
,febru>y plann+s to lapse4 ,"o man      
,tawab9isy _h hon\r$4 ,b ?is man1 nam$  
,clem5t1 a bank] f ,peoria1 _h prov$    
unwor?y4 ,tawab9isy told h[ he caught   
tr\t1 _m1 _m tr\t1 & pil$ !m on ! %ores 
( ,kawgama to defile ! air4 ,subsequ5tly
 ?is same sportsman buri$ ano!r big cat*
 on ! bea* ( ,sup]ior4 ,^! & o!r        
exploits f9ally e>n$ him 8 exclusion f !
 delectable l&4 ,i give 8 "n because ,i 
h p]sonally talk$ ) 8 guides1 & he>d _! 
circum/antial acc\nts ( 8 p]=mances4    
,unless ?ree or f\r woodsm5 are fe>ful  
li>s1 ,i d ,mr4 ,clem5t no inju/ice4    

,s9ce !n ,tawab9isy _h hidd5 himself    
beh9d 8 imp5etrable gr94  ,s y c easily 
see t ! discov]y ( ,kawgama w\ld be a   
feat wor?y ev5 high hills4  ,t aft]noon 
we re/$ & made our ca*e4 ,a ca*e 9 ! =e/
 c\ntry is simply a heavily con/ruct$   
ru/ic plat=m on :i* provisions & clo?+  
are laid & wrapp$ completely ab\t 9     
%eets ( canoe b>k ti$ firmly ) /rips (  
c$> b>k1 or )es made f a bu% ^:         
appe>ance ,i "k well1 b ^: "n ,i _c say4
 ,9 ?is receptacle we left all our cann$
 goods1 our extra clo?+1 & our ,dut*    
ov54 ,we reta9$ = transportation "s     
pork1 fl\r1 rice1 bak+-p[d]1 oatmeal1   
sug>1 & tea1 cook+ ut5sils1 blankets1 ! 
t5t1 fi%+-tackle1 & ! little pi/ol4 ,z  
we 7 ab\t to g into ! high c\ntry :]e   
presumably bo? game & fi% might lack1 we
 7 =c$ to take a full supply =          
f\r--c\nt+ ,deuce z "o--to la/ t5 days4 
,! packs c\nt$ up ab\t "o hundr$ &      
fifte5 p\nds ( grub1 tw5ty p\nds (      
blankets1 t5 ( t5t1 say eight or t5 (   
h>dw>e includ+ ! axe1 ab\t tw5ty (      

duffel4 ,?is 0 fur!r increas$ by !      
idiosyncrasy ( ,billy4 ,he1 l mo/       
woodsm51 0 w$d$ to a s+le utt]ly fooli% 
article ( p]sonal belong+1 :i* he       
wor%ipp$ z a feti%1 & )\t :i* he 0      
unhappy4 ,9 8 case x 0 a huge w9t]      
ov]coat t mu/ h weigh$ fifte5 p\nds4 ,! 
total am\nt$ to ab\t "o hundr$ & n9ety  
p\nds4 ,we gave ,dick tw5ty1 ,i took    
sev5ty-six1 & ,billy %\ld]$ ! re/4  ,!  
c>ry+ we did ) ! univ]sal tump-l9e4 ,?is
 is usually describ$ z a /rap pass$ ab\t
 a pack & across ! =ehead ( ! be>]4 ,!  
description is incorrect4 ,x passes     
across ! top ( ! head4 ,! weight %\ld   
re/ on ! small ( ! back j above !       
hips--n on ! broad ( ! back z mo/       
beg9n]s place x4 ,!n ! *9 %\ld be       
dropp$1 ! body slant$ %>ply =w>d1 & y   
may be able to /agg] =ty rods at y\r    
fir/ attempt4  ,use soon accu/oms y to  
c>ry+1 h[ev]4 ,! fir/ "t ,i ev] did any 
pack+ ,i _h a h>d "t /umbl+ a few hundr$
 feet ov] a hill portage ) j fifty p\nds
 on my back4 ,by ! end ( t same trip ,i 

c\ld c>ry a hundr$ p\nds & a lot (      
miscellane\s traps1 l canoe-poles &     
guns1 )\t s]i\s inconv5i5ce & ov] a long
 portage4 ,?is quickly-ga9$ p[] comes   
p>tly f a /r5g!n+ ( ! muscles ( ! neck1 
b m f a ma/]y ( balance4 ,a pack c twi/ 
y z sudd5ly & exp]tly on y\r back z !   
be/ ( wre/l]s4 ,x has a head lock on y1 
& y h to g or break y\r neck4 ,aft] a "t
 y adju/ y\r movem5ts1 j z aft] a "t y c
 travel on sn[-%oes ?r\gh heavy d[n     
timb] )\t tak+ consci\s ?\ght z to !    
plac+ ( y\r feet4  ,b at fir/ pack+ is z
 ne> inf]nal puni%m5t z m]ely mundane   
conditions c compass4 ,sixte5 br&-new   
muscles a*e1 at fir/ dully1 !n %>ply1 !n
 intol]ably1 until x seems y _c be> x   
ano!r second4 ,y are unable to keep y\r 
feet4 ,a /agg] means an ef=t at recov]y1
 & an ef=t at recov]y means t y trip :5 
y place y\r feet1 & t means1 if y are   
lucky en\gh n to be ?r[n1 an extra tweak
 = e "o ( ! sixte5 new muscles4 ,at fir/
 y re/ e "t y feel tir$4 ,!n y beg9 to  
feel v tir$ e fifty feet4 ,!n y h to d !

 be/ y c1 & prove ! pluck t is 9 y4     
,mr4 ,tom ,friant1 an old woodsman (    
wide exp]i5ce1 has (t5 told me ) reli% (
 8 fir/ try at c>ry+4 ,he _h ab\t sixty 
p\nds1 & 8 companion d\ble t am\nt4 ,mr4
 ,friant /ood x a few c5turies & !n sat 
d[n4 ,he c\ldn't h mov$ ano!r /ep if a  
gun _h be5 at 8 e>4  ,:at's ! matt]8    
ask$ 8 companion4  ,del1 said ,friant1  
,i'm all 94 ,i c't navigate4 ,"h's :]e  
,i quit4  ,c't y c>ry h] any f>!r8  ,n  
an in*4  ,well1 pile h] on4 ,i'll c>ry  
h] = y4  ,friant look$ at him a mom5t 9 
sil5t amazem5t4  ,d y mean to say t y   
are go+ to c>ry y\r pack & m9e too8     
,t's :at ,i mean to say4 ,i'll d x if ,i
 h to4  ,friant drew a long brea?4      
,well1 said he at la/1 if a little      
saw$-(f cuss l y c wiggle "u a hundr$ & 
eighty1 ,i guess ,i c make x "u sixty4  
,t's "r1 said ,del imp]turbably4 ,if y  
?9k y c1 y c4  ,& ,i did1 ends ,friant1 
) a *uckle4  ,!re9 lies ! :ole secret4  
,! "w is irksome1 sometimes ev5 pa9ful1 
b if y ?9k y c d x1 y c1 = ?\gh great is

 ! prote/ ( ! human frame aga9/ :at x   
consid]s abuse1 great] is ! p[] ( a     
man's grit4  ,we c>ri$ ! canoe above !  
l>g] eddies1 :]e we emb>k$ ourselves &  
our packs = trav]se1 leav+ ,deuce "u    
/rict comm& to await a second trip4     
,deuce disreg>d$ ! /rict comm&4 ,f      
disob$i5ce came great p]il1 = :5 he     
attempt$ to swim across aft] u he 0     
c>ri$ d[n/ream1 involv$ 9 a :irlpool1   
suck$ "u1 & ne>ly dr[n$4 ,we c\ld d no?+
 b wat*4 ,:51 f9ally1 ! ,riv] spu$ out a
 fright5$ & b$raggl$ dog1 we drew a     
brea? ( v g5u9e relief1 = ,deuce 0 de>  
to u ?r\gh mu* association4  ,! canoe we
 turn$ bottom up & left 9 ! bu%es1 & s  
we set (f ?r\gh ! =e/4  ,at ! end (     
fifte5 m9utes we began to m\nt a g5tle  
asc5t4 ,! g5tle asc5t spe$ily became a  
%>p slope1 ! %>p slope an abrupt hill1 &
 ! latt] f9ally an almo/ %e] face ( rock
 & ?9 soil4 ,we laid hold dogg$ly (     
little c$>s2 we dug our f+]s into little
 crevices1 & felt = ! same ) our toes2  
we p]spir$ 9 /reams & brea!d 9 gasps2 we

 held ! /ra9$ muscles ( our necks rigid1
 = ! twi/+ ( a pack meant "h a dang]\s  
fall2 we flatt5$ ourselves aga9/ ! face 
( ! m\nta9 ) always ! heavy1 ceaseless  
pull ( ! tump-l9e attempt+ to te> u     
backw>d f our holds4 ,& s at la/1 :5 !  
muscles ( our ?ighs refus$ to /r5g!n our
 legs = ! asc5t ( ano!r foot1 we w\ld   
turn our backs to ! slant & s9k         
gratefully into ! only real luxury 9 !  
_w4  ,= be x kn[n t real luxury _c be   
b\ght2 x mu/ be work$ =4 ,i ref] to     
luxury z ! exquisite sav\r ( a pleasant 
s5sation4 ,! ke5e/ s5se-impressions are 
und\bt$ly ^? ( contra/4 ,9 look+ back   
ov] a v>iety ( exp]i5ce1 ,i h no        
hesitation at all 9 select+ z ! mom5t 9 
:i* ,i h exp]i5c$ ! livelie/ physical   
pleasure "o hot aft]noon 9 ,july4 ,!    
!rmomet] might h /ood any:]e4 ,we w\ld h
 plac$ *ildlike tru/ 9 any ( its        
/atem5ts1 ev5 ?ree figures great4 ,our  
way _h l$ ?r\gh unbrok5 =e/ oppress$ by 
l[ bru% & an und]foot+ ( brakes4 ,!re _h
 be5 hills4 ,our clo!s 7 wr++ wet1 to ! 

la/ /it*2 ev5 ! lea!r ( ! tump-l9e 0    
saturat$4 ,! hot air we gulp$ d[n did n 
seem to satisfy our crav+ = oxyg5 any m 
?an lukew>m wat] ev] seems to cut a real
 ?ir/4 ,! woods 7 lit]ally l an ov5 9 _!
 hot dryness4 ,f9ally we skirt$ a little
 hill1 & at ! base ( t hill a great tree
 _h fall51 & ?r\gh ! ap]ture ?us made 9 
! =e/ a t9y curr5t ( cool air fl[$ l a  
/ream4 ,x 0 n a great curr5t1 nor a     
wide2 if we mov$ ?ree feet 9 any        
direction1 we 7 out ( x4 ,b we sat u d[n
 directly across its fl[4 ,& nev] h     
d9n]s or w9es or m5 or wom51 or talks ( 
books or sc5]y or adv5ture or sport1 or 
! s(te/1 da9tie/ ref9em5ts ( man's      
inv5tion giv5 me ! half ( luxury ,i     
drank 9 f t little breeze4 ,s ! commone/
 ?+s--a da% ( cool wat] on ! wri/s1 a   
gulp ( hot tea1 a w>m1 dry blanket1 a   
:iff ( tobacco1 a ray ( sun%9e--are m   
really ! luxuries ?an all ! com=ts &    
syb>itisms we buy4 ,und\bt$ly ! latt]   
w\ld also rise to ! high] category if we
 7 to "w = _! ess5ce in/ead ( m]ely     

sign+ club *eques or pay+ p>ty calls =  
!m4  ,:i* means t :5 we ?ree w\ld re/   
our packs aga9/ ! side ( t hill1 & drop 
our head-/raps bel[ our *9s1 we 7 n at  
all to be piti$1 ev5 ?\gh ! =e/ gr[?    
d5i$ u ! enc\ragem5t ( kn[+ h[ mu* f>!r 
we _h to g4  ,be=e u ! trees dropp$ away
 rapidly1 s t tw5ty feet out 9 a /raight
 l9e we 7 look+ directly into _! tops4  
,!re1 q on an equality ) _! own airy    
e/ate1 we c\ld wat* ! fly-cat*]s &      
w>bl]s conduct+ _! small affairs ( !    
*ase4 ,x l5t u ! illusion (             
impond]ability2 we felt t we too might  
be able to re/ securely on graceful     
gossam] twigs4 ,& sometimes1 ?r\gh a    
*ance op5+1 we c\ld see d[n ov] bill[s (
 wav+ leaves to a s+le little spot (    
blue1 l a turquoise sunk 9 folds ( gre5 
velvet1 :i* meant t ! ,riv] 0 dropp+    
bel[ u4 ,?is1 9 ! m]cy ( ! ,r$ ,gods1 0 
meant z enc\ragem5t4  ,! "t came1 h[ev]1
 :5 ! ramp>ts we scal$ rose %e] & b>e 9 
impregnability4 ,no?+ c\ld be done on ! 
/raight l9e1 s we turn$ %>p to ! nor?4  

,! way 0 difficult1 = x lay ov] great   
fragm5ts ( rock /rick5 f ! cliff by     
w9t]1 & fur!r r5d]$ trea*]\s by ! moss &
 wet by a ?\s& trickles ( wat]4 ,at !   
end ( "o h\r we f\nd :at might be call$ 
a rav9e1 if y happ5$ n to be p>ticul>1  
or a /eep cleft 9 ! precipice if y 74   
,"h we des]t$ ! op5 air = pil$-up bru%y 
tangles1 _m %>p-corn]$ rock fragm5ts1 & 
a *ok$ /reamlet4 ,f9ally ! :ole outfit  
abruptly ceas$4 ,we climb$ t5 feet (    
crevices & /ood on ! ridge4  ,! =e/     
trees %ut u 9 our own little area1 s t  
we 7 = ! mom5t unable to look abroad ov]
 ! c\ntry4  ,! desc5t1 abrupt :]e we _h 
m\nt$1 /ret*$ away g5tly t[>d ! nor? &  
we/4 ,& on t slope1 protect$ z x 0 f !  
sev]] /orms t sweep up ! op5 valleys 9  
w9t]1 /ood ! mo/ magnific5t primeval =e/
 x has ev] be5 my =tune to behold4 ,!   
huge maple1 bee*1 & bir* trees lift$    
column-l /raight up to a luc5t gre5     
canopy1 always tw9kl+ & %ift+ 9 ! w9d & 
! sunlight4 ,bel[ grew a ?9 scre5 (     
und]bru%1 ?r\gh :i* we _h no difficulty 

at all 9 pu%+1 b :i* ?rew ab\t u        
face-high a t5d] gre5 p>tition4 ,!      
effect 0 t ( a pew 9 an old-fa%ion$     
*ur*1 s t1 ?\gh we %>$ ! upp]           
/illnesses1 a c]ta9 delightful privacy (
 our own seem$ assur$ u4 ,?is privacy we
 knew to be assur$ also to _m creatures 
besides ourselves4 ,on ! o!r side ( !   
scre5 ( broad leaves we s5s$ ! pres5ce (
 life4 ,x did n intrude on u1 nor 7 we  
p]mitt$ to intrude on x4 ,b x 0 !re4 ,we
 he>d x ru/l+1 patt]+1 scrambl+1 :isp]+1
 scurry+ ) a ru% ( w+s4 ,m subtly we    
felt x1 z "o kn[s ( a pres5ce 9 a d>k5$ 
room4 ,by ! ex]cise ( imag9ation &      
exp]i5ce we id5tifi$ x 9 its            
manife/ations--! squirrel1 ! p>tridge1 !
 weasel1 ! spruce h5s1 once or twice !  
de]4 ,we knew x saw u p]fectly1 al?\gh  
we c\ld n see x1 & t gave u an          
impression ( companion%ip2 s ! =e/ 0 n  
lonely4  ,next to ?is d\ble s5se (      
isolation & company 0 ! feel+ (         
transp>5t %ad[4 ,! =e/ 0 ?ick & cool4   
,only r>ely did ! sun f9d an orifice 9 !

 ro( ?r\gh :i* to p\r a spla% ( liquid  
gold4 ,all ! re/ 0 9 %ad[4 ,b ! %ad[ 0 t
 ( ! bottom ( ! sea--cool1 gre51 &1     
above all1 transp>5t4 ,we saw into !    
dep? ( x1 b dimly1 z we w\ld see into ! 
gre5 recesses ( a tropic ocean4 ,x      
possess$ ! same liquid quality4 ,f9ally 
! illusion ov]came u completely4 ,we    
ba!d 9 ! %ad[s z ?\gh !y 7 palpable1 & f
 t came great refre%m5t4  ,"u foot !    
soil 0 spr+y ) ! m\ld ( numb]less       
autumns4 ,! axe _h nev] hurri$ sl[ old  
s]vant decay4 ,once 9 a :ile we came    
across a pro/rate trunk ly+ 9 ! tr\gh ( 
de/ruction its fall _h occasion$4 ,b !  
re/ ( ! "t we trod a c>pet to ! mak+ (  
:i* c5turies ( dead =e/ w>riors _h      
wrapp$ !mselves 9 m\ld & s(t moss &     
g5tle dissolution4 ,sometimes a fa9t    
r\nd$ %ell ( =m] fair proportion swell$ 
above ! level1 to crumble to punkwood at
 ! lighte/ t\* ( our feet4 ,or1 aga91 ! 
simulacrum ( a tree trunk w\ld bravely  
oppose our pa?1 only to melt away into  
no?+1 l ! oppos+ phantoms ( ,a5eas1 :5  

we plac$ a knee aga9/ x = ! surm\nt+4   
,if ! p9e woods be *>act]iz$ by ca!dral 
solemnity1 & ! c$>s & tam>acks by c]ta9 
horrifical gloom1 & ! popples by a      
silv]y sun%9e1 & ! b]ry-cle>+s by       
grateful heat & ! homely mann] ( famili>
 birds1 !n ! great h>dwood mu/ be kn[n z
 ! dwell+-place ( transp>5t %ad[s1 (    
cool gre5 luc5cy1 & ! repository (      
immemorial *e]ful =e/ tradition :i* !   
travell] c he> (1 b :i* he is nev]      
p]mitt$ actually to "k4  ,illu/ration3  
,,9 ,,?is ,,lovable ,,my/]y ,,we        
,,j\rney$ ,,all ,,! ,,re/ ,,( ,,t       
,,morn+4  ,9 ?is lovable my/]y we       
j\rney$ all ! re/ ( t morn+4 ,! packs 7 
heavy ) ! fir/ day's weight1 & we 7 tir$
 f our climb2 b ! deep physical joy (   
go+ on & ev] on into unkn[n valleys1 d[n
 a long1 g5tle slope t mu/ lead some:]e1
 ?r\gh ?+s animate & ?+s ( an almo/     
animate life1 op5+ sil5tly be=e u to    
give u passage1 & clos+ z sil5tly beh9d 
u aft] we _h pass$--^! made u =get our  
a*es & fatigues = ! mom5t4  ,at noon we 

boil$ tea ne> a little spr+ ( cle>1 cold
 wat]4 ,z yet we _h no opportunity (    
see+ f>!r ?an ! clos+ 9 ( _m trees4 ,we 
71 z f> z ext]nal appe>ances w5t1 no m  
advanc$ ?an our fir/ re/+-place aft]    
surm\nt+ ! ridge4 ,?is effect is con/ant
 9 ! great =e/s4 ,y are 9 a             
treadmill--?\gh a pleasant "o )al4 ,y\r 
camp ( to-day diff]s only 9             
non-ess5tials f t ( ye/]day1 & y\r camp 
( to-morr[ w probably be almo/ exactly l
 to-day's4 ,only :5 y rea* y\r objective
 po9t d y come to a full realization t y
 h n be5 ! ,sisyphus ( ! ,r$ ,gods4     
,deuce return+ f exploration br\ght     
indubitable evid5ce ( porcup9es4 ,we    
pick$ ! b>b$ little weapons f 8 face &  
nose & tongue ) mu* difficulty =        
ourselves & mu* pa9 = ,deuce4 ,we (f]$  
consolation by voic+ = 8 dumbness 8     
und\bt$ int5tion to avoid all future    
porcup9es4 ,!n we took up ! aft]noon    
tramp4  ,n[ at la/ ?r\gh ! trees appe>$ 
! gleam ( wat]4 ,tawab9isy _h said t    
,kawgama 0 ! only lake 9 its di/rict4   

,we !re=e became q excit$ at ?is        
sapphire promise4 ,our packs 7 ?r[n     
aside1 & l s*ool-boys we rac$ d[n !     
declivity to ! %ore4     ,,xiv4  ,,on   
,,walk+ ,,?r\gh ,,! ,,woods4   ,we f\nd 
ourselves pe]+ ?r\gh ! ?icket at a      
little re$ & grass gr[n body ( wat] a   
few acres 9 ext5t4 ,a %ort det\r to ! "r
 l$ u to an outlet--a brook ( wid? & da%
 t conv9c$ u ! little pond 0 only a     
/opp+-place 9 ! /ream1 & n a headwat] z 
we _h at fir/ imag9$4 ,!n a ne>] approa*
 l$ u pa/ po9t$ tree-/umps exquisitely  
*isell$ ) ! m>ks ( tee?2 s we knew we   
look$1 n on a natural pond1 b on ! "w ( 
beav]s4  ,i exam9$ ! dam m closely4 ,x 0
 a m>vel ( eng9e]+ skill 9 ! accuracy ) 
:i* ! big trees _h be5 fell$ exactly    
along ! mo/ effective l9es1 ! effici5cy 
( ! fill+ 91 & ! j e/imate ( ! wa/e wat]
 to be all[$4 ,we nam$ ! place obvi\sly 
,beav] ,pond1 resum$ our packs1 & pu%$  
on4  ,n[ ,i mu/ be p]mitt$ to celebrate 
by a little ! pluck ( ,dick4 ,he 0 q    
unus$ to ! tump-l9e1 comp>atively       

inexp]i5c$ 9 woods-walk+1 & weigh$ b "o 
hundr$ & ?irty-five p\nds4 ,yet n once 9
 ! c\rse ( t trip did he bewail 8 fate4 
,t[>ds ! close ( ?is fir/ aft]noon ,i   
dropp$ beh9d to see h[ he 0 mak+ x4 ,!  
boy _h 8 head d[n1 8 lips %ut tight     
toge!r1 8 legs well /raddl$ ap>t4 ,z ,i 
wat*$ he /umbl$ badly ov] ! m]e/ twig4  
,dick1 said ,i1 are y tir$8  ,yes1 he   
confess$ frankly4  ,c y make x ano!r    
half-h\r8  ,i guess s2 ,i'll try4  ,at !
 end ( ! half-h\r we dropp$ our packs4  
,dick _h manife/$ no impati5ce--n once  
_h he ev5 ask$ h[ ne>ly "t 0 up--b n[ he
 brea!d a deep sigh ( relief4  ,i ?\ght 
y 7 nev] go+ to /op1 said he simply4  ,f
 ,dick ^? words meant a good deal4 ,=   
woods-walk+ diff]s z widely f ord9>y    
walk+ z trap-%oot+ f field-%oot+4 ,a    
good p$e/rian may tire v quickly 9 !    
=e/4 ,no two successive /eps are ( !    
same l5g?2 no two successive /eps fall  
on ! same quality ( foot+2 no two       
successive /eps are on ! same level4 ,^?
 ?ree are ! major elem5ts ( fatigue4    

,add fur!r ! facts t y\r way is         
cont9ually ob/ruct$ bo? by real         
difficulties--su* z trees1 trunks1 &    
rocks--& less] annoyances1 su* z        
bran*es1 bu%es1 & ev5 spid]-webs4 ,^!   
?+s all comb9e aga9/ endurance4 ,!      
inexp]i5c$ does n "k h[ to meet !m ) a  
m9imum ( ef=t4 ,! t5d]foot is 9 a       
con/ant /ate ( muscul> & m5tal rigidity 
aga9/ a fall or a /umble or a cut across
 ! face f "s "o ( ! inf9itely num]\s    
woods sc\rges4 ,?is rigidity spe$ily    
exhau/s ! vital =ce4  ,s mu* = !        
philosophy ( x4 ,its practical side     
might be inf9itely ext5d$4 ,woodsm5 are 
t\gh & endur+ & 9 good condition2 b no m
 s ?an ! av]age college a?lete4 ,"t &   
aga9 ,i h se5 m5 ( ! latt] class walk$  
to a /&/ill4 ,i mean exactly t4 ,!y     
knew1 & 7 ju/ly pr\d1 ( _! physical     
condition1 & !y hat$ to ackn[l$ge1 ev5  
to !mselves1 t ! re/ ( u 7 m endur+4 ,z 
a consequ5ce !y play$ on _! n]ve1 beyond
 _! physical p[]s4 ,:5 ! collapse came x
 0 complete4 ,i rememb] v well a crew ( 

m5 turn+ out f a lumb] camp on !        
,/urgeon ,riv] to br+ 9 on a litt] a "y 
fell[ :o _h giv5 out :ile attempt+ to   
foll[ ,be!l ,bri/ol ?r\gh a h>d day4    
,bri/ol said he dropp$ f9ally z ?\gh he 
_h be5 /ruck on ! head4 ,! woodsman _h  
!reupon built him a little fire1 made   
him z com=table z possible ) bo? coats1 
& hik$ = assi/ance4 ,i once w5t into !  
woods ) a prom95t college a?lete4 ,we   
walk$ r h>d ov] a r\gh c\ntry until     
noon4 ,!n ! a?lete lay on 8 back = ! re/
 ( ! day1 :ile ,i f9i%$ alone ! bus9ess 
we _h come on4  ,n[1 ^! in/ances d n    
imply t ,bri/ol1 & c]ta9ly n myself1 7  
any /rong] physically1 or possess$ m    
n]v\s =ce1 ?an ! m5 we _h tir$ out4     
,ei!r ( !m on a road c\ld h trail$ u1   
/ep = /ep1 & z long z we pleas$4 ,b we  
knew ! game4  ,x comes at ! la/ to be   
entirely a matt] ( exp]i5ce4 ,any man c 
walk 9 ! woods all day at "s gait4 ,b 8 
spe$ w dep5d on 8 skill4 ,x is exactly l
 mak+ y\r way ?r\gh heavy1 dry s&4 ,z   
long z y re/ra9 y\rself to a c]ta9      

leisurely plodd+1 y get along )\t       
extraord9>y ef=t1 :ile ev5 a slight     
increase ( spe$ drags fi]cely at y\r    
feet4 ,s x is ) ! woods4 ,z long z y    
walk sl[ly en\gh1 s t y c pick y\r foot+
 & lift aside easily ! bran*es t m5ace  
y\r face1 y w exp5d little n]v\s en]gy4 
,b ! slighte/ press+1 ! slighte/        
incl9ation to g beyond :at may be call$ 
y\r physical =esight1 l&s y imm$iately 9
 difficulties4 ,y /umble1 y break ?r\gh 
! bru%1 y %ut y\r eyes to avoid %>p     
swit*+s4 ,! res]voir ( y\r en]gy is op5 
full cock4 ,9 ab\t an h\r y feel v1 v   
tir$4  ,?is pr9ciple holds rigidly true 
( e "o1 f ! s(te/ t5d]foot to ! exp]te/ 
=e/-runn]4 ,= ea* !re exi/s a normal    
rate ( travel1 beyond :i* are p5alties4 
,only1 ! =e/-runn]1 by long use1 has    
rais$ ! expon5t ( 8 p[]s4 ,p]haps z a   
work+ hypo!sis ! foll[+ might be        
recomm5d$3 ,"o good /ep is wor? six     
/umbl+ /eps2 g only fa/ en\gh to assure 
t good "o4  ,y w le>n1 besides1 a numb] 
( ?+s practically :i* memory _c summon  

to ord] = in/ance "h4 ,bru% slant$      
across y\r pa? is easi] lift$ ov] y\r   
head & dropp$ beh9d y ?an pu%$ aside1 w 
d z an example4  ,a good woods-walk]    
progresses )\t app>5t hurry4 ,i h foll[$
 ! disappe>+ back ( ,tawab9isy :51 z my 
companion elegantly express$ x1 if y    
/opp$ to spit y got lo/4 ,tawab9isy w&]$
 ?r\gh ! =e/1 8 h&s 9 8 pockets1 humm+ a
 little ,indian hymn4 ,& we 7 break+    
madly along beh9d him ) ! cra%+ ( _m    
timb]s4  ,( y\r discov]ies probably "o (
 ! mo/ impressive w be t 9 ! bright     
lexicon ( woodscraft ! ^w mile has be5  
entirely left out4 ,to c\nt by miles is 
a useless & ornam5tal elegance (        
civilization4 ,"s ( u once work$ h>d all
 "o day only to camp ?ree miles d[n/ream
 f our re/+-place ( ! night be=e4 ,& !  
foll[+ day we ran ne>ly sixty ) !       
curr5t4 ,! space ( measur$ c\ntry kn[n z
 a mile may hold y five m9utes or five  
h\rs f y\r de/9ation4 ,! ,indian c\nts  
by "t1 & aft] a little y foll[ 8        
example4 ,f\r miles to ,kettle ,portage 

means no?+4 ,two h\rs to ,kettle        
,portage does4 ,only :5 an ,indian tells
 y two h\rs y w\ld d well to c\nt x z   
f\r4  ,well1 our trip practically am\nt$
 to sev5 days to n[h]e2 or p]haps sev5  
days to ev]y:]e w\ld be m accurate4 ,x 0
 all 9 ! high hills until ! la/ day & a 
half1 & g5]ally 9 ! h>dwood =e/s4 ,twice
 we int]sect$ & foll[$ = %ort di/ances  
,indian trails1 nei!r ( :i* app>5tly _h 
be5 travell$ s9ce ! orig9al p>ty t _h   
made !m4 ,!y l$ across c\ntry = great]  
or less] di/ances 9 ! direction we wi%$ 
to travel1 & !n turn$ aside4 ,?ree times
 we blund]$ on little mead[s (          
moose-grass4 ,inv>iably !y 7 tramp$     
muddy l a cattle-y>d :]e ! great animals
 _h /ood z lately z ! night be=e4 ,c>ib\
 7 n uncommon4 ,!re 7 a few de]1 b n _m1
 = ! mo/ ( ! de] c\ntry lies to ! s\? ( 
?is our di/rict4 ,p>tridge1 z we _h     
anticipat$1 lack$ 9 su* high c\ntry4  ,9
 ! c\rse ( ! five days & a half we 7 9 !
 hills we discov]$ six lakes ( v>i\s    
sizes4 ,! smalle/ 0 a m]e pond2 ! l>ge/ 

w\ld measure "s ?ree or f\r miles 9     
diamet]4 ,we came ^u t v late "o        
aft]noon4 ,a brook ( "s size cross$ our 
way1 s1 z 0 our habit1 we promptly turn$
 up/ream to discov] its s\rce4 ,9 ! high
 c\ntry ! head-wat]s are nev] m ?an a   
few miles di/ant2 & at ! same "t !      
magnitude ( ?is indicat$ a lake r ?an a 
spr+ z ! supply4 ,! lake might be       
,kawgama4  ,our packs _h gr[n to be v   
heavy1 = !y _h already ! weight ( n9e   
h\rs pil$ on top4 ,& ! /ream 0 exce$+ly 
difficult to foll[4 ,x fl[$ 9 "o ( ^?   
aggravat+ little rav9es ^: banks are too
 high & /eep & unev5 = good foot+1 & ^: 
b$s are *ok$ ) a too abundant gr[?4 ,9  
addition1 !re _h fall5 _m trees ov] :i* 
"o _h to climb4 ,we kept at x = p]haps  
an h\r4 ,! brook cont9u$ ( ! same size1 
& ! c\ntry ( ! same "*4 ,dick = ! fir/  
"t sugge/$ t x might be well to camp4   
,we've got good wat] "h1 he argu$1 q    
ju/ly1 & we c pu% on to-morr[ j z well z
 to-night4  ,we balanc$ our packs aga9/ 
a pro/rate tree-trunk4 ,billy contribut$

 8 indirect %>e to ! argum5t4  ,i lak'  
to h ! job mak' heem ?is c\ntree all    
ov]1 he sigh$4 ,i mak' heem m level4    
,all "r1 ,i agre$2 y fell[s sit "h & re/
 a m9ute1 & ,i'll take a :irl a little  
ways ahead4  ,i slipp$ my tump-l9e &    
/>t$ on light4 ,aft] c>ry+ a heavy pack 
s long1 ,i seem$ to tread on air4 ,!    
?icket1 be=e s =midable1 am\nt$ to no?+ 
at all4 ,p]haps ! consci\sness t ! day's
 "w 0 9 reality ov] l5t a little        
factiti\s en]gy to my tir$ legs4 ,at any
 rate1 ! project$ two hundr$ feet ( my  
inve/igations /ret*$ to a good          
qu>t]-mile4 ,at ! end ( t space ,i      
deb\*$ on a wid5+ ( ! rav9e4 ,! h>dwood 
ran (f into c$>s4 ,i pu%$ ?r\gh ! /iff  
rods & yield+ fans ( ! latt]1 & all at  
once f\nd myself lean+ out ov] ! wat]s (
 ! lake4  ,x 0 almo/ an exact oval1 &   
lay 9 a cup ( hills4 ,?ree wood$ isl&s1 
swimm+ l ducks 9 ! placid ev5+ wat]s1   
add$ a t\* ( div]sity4 ,a huge :ite rock
 balanc$ ! composition to ! left1 & a   
s+le :ite sea-gull1 l a sn[flake aga9/  

p9es1 brood$ on its top4  ,i look$      
abroad to :]e ! p]fect reflection ( !   
hills confus$ ! %ore l9e4 ,i look$ d[n  
?r\gh five feet ( cry/al wat] to :]e    
pebbles %imm]$ 9 refraction4 ,i not$ !  
l[ rocks jutt+ f ! wood's %elt] :]eon "o
 might /& to ca/ a fly4 ,!n ,i turn$ &  
yell$ & yell$ & yell$ aga9 at ! =e/4    
,billy came ?r\gh ! bru%1 cra%+ 9 8     
ha/e4 ,he look$ long & compreh5d+ly4    
,)\t fur!r spee*1 we turn$ back to :]e  
,dick 0 gu>d+ ! packs4  ,t y\? we f\nd  
pr(\ndly indiff]5t4  ,kawgama1 we cri$1 
a qu>t]-mile ahead4  ,he turn$ on u a   
lack-lu/re eye4  ,y go+ to camp "h8 he  
inquir$ dully4  ,c\rse n6 ,we'll g on & 
camp at ! lake4  ,all "r1 he repli$4    
,we resum$ our packs1 a little /iffly & 
reluctantly1 = we _h ta/$ ( woods-travel
 )\t !m4 ,at ! lake we re/$4  ,go+ to   
camp "h8 inquir$ ,dick4  ,we look$ ab\t1
 b not$ t ! gr\nd "u ! c$>s 0 hummocky1 
& t ! h>dwood grew on a slope4 ,besides1
 we want$ to camp z ne> ! %ore z        
possible4 ,probably a trifle fur!r along

 !re w\ld be a po9t ( high l& &         
delightful little pap]-bir*es4  ,no1 we 
answ]$ *e]fully1 ?is isn't mu* good4    
,suppose we pu% along a ways & f9d      
some?+ bett]4  ,all "r1 ,dick repli$4   
,we walk$ p]haps a half-mile m to !     
we/w>d be=e we discov]$ :at we want$1   
/opp+ f "t to "t to discuss ! m]its (   
?is or t place4 ,billy & ,i 7 feel+     
pretty good4 ,aft] su* a week ,kawgama 0
 a tonic4 ,f9ally we agre$4  ,?is'll d1 
said we4  ,?ank ,god6 said ,dick        
unexpect$ly1 & dropp$ 8 pack to ! gr\nd 
) a ?ud1 & sat on x4  ,i look$ at him   
closely4 ,!n ,i undid my own pack4      
,billy1 said ,i1 />t 9 on grub4 ,nev]   
m9d ! t5t j n[4  ,a' "r1 gr9n$ ,billy4  
,he _h be5 mak+ 8 own obs]vations4      
,dick1 said ,i1 let's g d[n & sit on !  
rock ov] ! wat]4 ,we might fi% a little4
  ,all "r1 ,dick repli$4  ,he /umbl$    
dully aft] me to ! %ore4  ,dick1 ,i     
cont9u$1 y're a kid1 & y h high         
pr9ciples1 & y\r "m w\ldn't l x1 b ,i'm 
go+ to prescribe = y1 & ,i'm go+ to     

insi/ on y\r foll[+ ! prescription4 ,?is
 flask does n conta9 fly-dope--t's 9 !  
o!r flask--x conta9s :isky4 ,i h _h x 9 
my pack s9ce we />t$1 & x has n be5     
op5$4 ,i don't believe 9 :isky 9 !      
woods2 n because ,i am temp]ance1 b     
because a man c't travel on x4 ,b "h is 
:]e y break y\r heav5-born pr9ciples4   
,dr9k4  ,dick hesitat$1 !n he drank4 ,by
 ! "t grub 0 ready 8 vitality _h come to
 normal1 & s he 0 able to dige/ 8 food &
 get "s good out ( x2 o!rwise he c\ld n 
h done s4 ,?us he furni%$ an admirable  
example ( ! only real use = :isky 9     
woods-travel4 ,also x 0 ! ne>e/ ,dick   
ev] came to be+ completely play$ out4   
,t ev5+ 0 delightful4 ,we sat on ! rock 
& wat*$ ! long ,nor? ,c\ntry twilight   
/eal up l a gray cl\d f ! ea/4 ,two     
loons call$ to ea* o!r1 n[ 9 ! %rill    
maniac laught]1 n[ ) ! long1 m\rnful    
cry4 ,x ne$$ j t "o t\* to f9i% !       
picture4 ,we 7 look+1 _h we b kn[n x1 on
 a lake no :ite man _h ev] visit$ be=e4 
,clem5t alone _h se5 ,kawgama1 s 9 our  

ignorance we atta9$ mu* ! same m5tal    
attitude4 ,= ,i may z well let y into ! 
secret2 ?is 0 n ! fabl$ lake aft] all4  
,we f\nd t out lat] f ,tawab9isy4 ,b x 0
 beautiful en\gh1 & wild en\gh1 & /range
 en\gh 9 its spl5did wild]ness isolation
 to fill ! he>t ( ! explor] ) a great   
cont5t4  ,hav+ ?us1 z we ?\ght1 atta9$ !
 prim>y object ( our explorations1 we   
det]m9$ on try+ n[ = ! second--t is1 !  
inve/igation ( ! upp] rea*es ( ! ,riv]4 
,tr\t we _h n accompli%$ at ?is lake1 b 
! exi/5ce ( fi% ( "s sort 0 atte/$ by ! 
pres5ce ( ! two loons & ! gull1 s we    
laid our non-success to fi%]man's luck4 
,aft] two false />ts we manag$ to /rike 
into a good c\ntry ne> en\gh our        
direction4 ,! travel 0 mu* ! same z     
be=e4 ,! second day1 h[ev]1 we came to a
 surveyor's base-l9e cut ?r\gh ! woods4 
,!n we foll[$ t z a matt] ( conv5i5ce4  
,! base-l9e1 cut ! fall be=e1 0 ! only  
evid5ce ( man we saw 9 ! high c\ntry4 ,x
 meant no?+ 9 itself1 b 0 int5d$ z a    
/>t+-po9t = ! t[n%ip surveys1 :5ev] !   

c\ntry %\ld become civiliz$ en\gh to    
w>rant !m4 ,t condition ( affairs might 
n occur = ye>s to come4 ,!re=e ! l9e 0  
cut out cle> = a wid? ( tw5ty feet4  ,we
 cont9u$ along x z along a trail until  
we discov]$ our la/ lake--a body ( wat] 
possess+ _m radiat+ arms4 ,?is 0 ! ne>e/
 we came to ! real ,kawgama4 ,if we _h  
skirt$ ! lake1 m\nt$ ! ridge1 foll[$ a  
creek-b$1 m\nt$ ano!r ridge1 & desc5d$ a
 slope1 we %\ld h made our discov]y4    
,lat] we did j t1 "u ! guidance (       
,tawab9isy himself4 ,float+ 9 ! bir*    
canoe we c>ri$ ) u we look$ back at ! v 
spot on :i* we /ood ?is morn+4  ,b we   
turn$ %>p to ! left1 & s miss$ our      
*ance4 ,h[ev]1 we 7 9 a happy frame (   
m9d1 = we imag9$ we _h really made !    
desir$ discov]y4  ,no?+ ( mom5t happ5$  
until we rea*$ ! valley ( ! ,riv]4 ,!n  
we f\nd we 7 tre$4 ,we _h be5 travell+  
all ! "t among hills & valleys1 to be   
sure1 b on a high elevation4 ,ev5 !     
bottom l&s1 9 :i* lay ! lakes1 7 sev]al 
hundr$ feet above ,sup]ior4 ,n[ we em]g$

 f ! =e/ to f9d ourselves on bold       
m\nta9s at lea/ sev5 or eight hundr$    
feet above ! ma9 valley4 ,& 9 ! ma9     
valley we c\ld make out ! ,riv]4  ,x 0 r
 dizzy "w4 ,?ree or f\r times we v5tur$ 
ov] ! r\nd$ cre/ ( ! hill1 only to      
return aft] =ty or fifty feet because ! 
slope _h become too abrupt4 ,?is grew to
 be monoton\s & aggravat+4 ,x look$ z   
?\gh we might h to p>allel ! ,riv]'s    
c\rse1 l sc\ts wat*+ an army1 on ! top (
 ! hill4 ,f9ally a little rav9e gave u  
hope4 ,we scrambl$ d[n x2 end$ 9 a v    
/eep slant1 & f9i%$ at a %e] tangle (   
c$>-roots4 ,! latt] we attempt$4 ,billy 
w5t on ahead4 ,i let ! packs d[n to him 
by means ( a tump-l9e4 ,he balanc$ !m on
 ro(2 until ,i _h climb$ bel[ him4 ,& s 
on4 ,x 0 exactly l lett+ a bucket d[n a 
well4 ,if "o ( ! packs _h slipp$ (f !   
c$>-roots1 x w\ld h dropp$ l a plummet  
to ! valley1 & l&$ on ,heav5 kn[s :at4  
,! same might be said ( ourselves4 ,we  
did ?is because we 7 angry all ?r\gh4   
,!n we came to ! end ( ! c$>-roots4 ,"r 

& left (f]$ no?+2 bel[ 0 a %e]1 b>e     
drop4 ,absolutely no?+ rema9$ b to climb
 back1 heavy packs & all1 to ! top ( !  
m\nta94 ,false hopes _h wa/$ a good half
 day & innum]able foot-p\nds4 ,billy &  
,i saw r$4 ,we b[$ our heads & snak$ ^? 
packs to ! top ( ! m\nta9 at a gait t   
ord9>ily w\ld h tir$ u out 9 fifty feet4
 ,dick did n attempt to keep up4 ,:5 we 
rea*$ ! top we sat d[n to wait = him4   
,aft] a :ile he appe>$1 climb+          
leisurely4 ,he gaz$ on u f beh9d ! mask 
( 8 ,indian imp]turbability4 ,!n he     
gr9n$4 ,t did u good1 = we all ?ree     
laugh$ al\d1 & buckl$ d[n to bus9ess 9 a
 bett] frame ( m9d4  ,t day we discov]$ 
a mo/ beautiful wat]fall4 ,a /ream ab\t 
tw5ty feet 9 wid?1 & ) a good volume (  
wat]1 dropp$ "s ?ree hundr$ feet or m   
into ! ,riv]4 ,x 0 across ! valley f u1 
s we _h a good view ( its beauties4 ,our
 e/imates ( its height 7 c>efully made  
on ! basis ( "s /&+ p9e t grew ne> its  
foot4  ,& !n we ent]$ a /eep little     
rav9e1 & desc5d$ x ) misgiv+s to a caon1

 & walk$ easily d[n ! caon to a slope t 
took u by b>ely s5sible gradations to a 
wood$ pla94 ,at six o'clock we /ood on !
 banks ( ! ,riv]1 & ! hills 7 beh9d u4  
,( our d[n-/ream travel !re is little   
really to be said4 ,we e/abli%$ a numb] 
( facts--t ! ,riv] da%es mo/ sc5ically f
 rapid to rapid1 s t ! /agnant pool !ory
 is h5ce=? unt5able2 t ! hills get high]
 & wild] ! f>!r y p5etrate to ! int]ior1
 & _! cliffs & rock-precipices bold] & m
 nak$2 t !re are tr\t 9 ! upp] rea*es1 b
 n s l>ge z 9 ! l[] pools2 &1 above all1
 t travel is n a joy = ev]4  ,= we c\ld 
n =d ! ,riv] above ! ,falls--x is too   
deep & swift4 ,z a consequ5ce1 we _h (t5
 to climb1 (t5 to break ?r\gh ! n>r[e/  
?icket /rips1 & once to feel our way    
cauti\sly along a sunk5 l$ge "u a %e]   
rock cliff4 ,t 0 ,billy's idea4 ,we came
 to ! %e] rock cliff aft] a pretty h>d  
scramble1 & we 7 mo/ lo? to d ! necess>y
 climb+4 ,billy sugge/$ t we might be   
able to wade4 ,z ! pool bel[ ! cliff 0  
black wat] & ( indet]m9ate dep?1 we     

sc\t$ ! idea4 ,billy1 h[ev]1 pok$ ar\nd 
) a /ick1 &1 z ,i h said1 discov]$ a    
little l$ge ab\t a foot & a half wide & 
ab\t two feet & a half bel[ ! surface4  
,?is 0 spectacul>1 b we did x4 ,a slip  
meant a swim & ! loss ( ! pack4 ,we did 
n happ5 to slip4 ,%ortly aft]1 we came  
to ! ,big ,falls1 & s aft] fur!r pa9ful 
exp]im5t desc5d$ joyfully into kn[n     
c\ntry4  ,! fre%et _h gone d[n1 ! wea!r 
_h w>m$1 ! sun %one1 we caught tr\t =   
lun* bel[ ! ,big ,falls2 ev]y?+ 0       
lovely4 ,by ?ree o'clock1 aft] ?rice    
wad+ ! /ream1 we rega9$ our canoe--n[ at
 lea/ =ty feet f ! wat]4 ,we paddl$     
across4 ,deuce foll[$ easily1 :]e a week
 be=e he _h be5 suck$ d[n & ne>ly dr[n$4
 ,we op5$ ! ca*e & *ang$ our v          
travel-/a9$ g>m5ts4 ,we cook$ ourselves 
a luxuri\s meal4 ,we built a            
fri5d%ip-fire4 ,& at la/ we /ret*$ our  
tir$ bodies full l5g? on balsam a foot  
?ick1 & gaz$ dr[sily at ! canvas-blurr$ 
moon be=e s9k+ to a dreamless sleep4    
,,xv4  ,,on ,,woods ,,indians4   ,f> 9 !

 ,nor? dwell a p practically unkn[n to  
any b ! fur-trad] & ! explor]4 ,our     
in=mation z to ,mokis1 ,si\x1 ,*ey5nes  
,nez ,p]cs1 & indirectly _m o!rs1 ?r\gh 
! pages ( ,coop]1 ,p>kman1 & alli$      
writ]s1 is v>i$ en\gh1 s t our ideas (  
,indians are pretty well e/abli%$4 ,if  
we are romantic1 we h>k back to ! pa/ & 
inv5t fairy-tales ) ourselves an5t !    
,noble ,r$ ,man :o has ,pass$ ,away4 ,if
 we are sev]ely practical1 we take      
notice ( fil?1 vice1 plug-hats1 t9 cans1
 & laz9ess4 ,9 fact1 we might divide all
 ,indian concepts into two classes1     
foll[+ ^! m5tal & imag9ative b5ts4 ,!n  
we %\ld h q simply & satisfactorily !   
,coop] ,indian & ! ,comic ,pap] ,indian4
 ,x mu/ be confess$ t ! latt] is (t5    
approximat$ by reality--& ev]ybody kn[s 
x4 ,t ! =m] is by no means a my?--at    
lea/ 9 _m qualities--! av]age read]     
might be p>don$ = d\bt+4  ,"s "t ago ,i 
desir$ to increase my k ( ! ,woods      
,indians by :atev] o!rs _h accompli%$4  
,accord+ly ,i wrote to ! ,e?nological   

,dep>tm5t at ,wa%+ton ask+ :at _h be5   
done 9 reg>d to ! ,ojibways & ,wood     
,crees nor? ( ,lake ,sup]ior4 ,! answ] 0
 no?+4  ,& no?+ is m ne>ly a            
compreh5sive answ] ?an at fir/ y might  
believe4 ,visitors at ,mack9ac1         
,trav]se1 ,sault ,/e4 ,m>ie1 & o!r      
nor!rn resorts are bes\ght at c]ta9     
times ( ! ye> by sil5t calico-dress$    
squaws to pur*ase basket & b>k "w4 ,if !
 t\ri/ happ5s to foll[ ^! wom5 = m      
:olesale exam9ation ( _! w>es1 he w be  
l$ to a d\ble-end$ ,mack9aw-built       
sail+-craft ) r$-dy$ sails1 half pull$  
out on ! bea*4 ,9 ! /]n sit two or ?ree 
bucks we>+ %irts1 jean tr\s]s1 & broad  
black hats4 ,"s ( ! olde/ m5 may sport a
 pat*$ pair ( moccas9s or s1 b mo/ are  
conv5tional en\gh 9 clumsy %oes4 ,aft] a
 long] or %ort] /ay !y hoi/ _! r$ sails 
& drift away t[>d "s my/]i\s de/9ation  
on ! nor? %ore4 ,if ! buy] is curi\s    
en\gh & p]si/5t en\gh1 he may elicit !  
fact t !y are ,ojibways4  ,n[1 if ?is   
same t\ri/ happ5s to possess a mildly   

v5turesome disposition1 a sail+-craft1 &
 a *>t ( ! region1 he w soon] or lat]   
blund] across ! dwell+-place ( 8 sil5t  
v5dors4 ,at ! foot ( "s r>ely-frequ5t$  
bay he w come on a dim9utive village (  
small :itewa%$ log h\ses4 ,x w diff] f  
o!r villages 9 t ! h\ses are arrang$ )  
no ref]5ce :atev] to "o ano!r1 b 9 !    
haphaz>d fa%ion ( an encampm5t4 ,its    
inhabitants are 8 summ] fri5ds4 ,if he  
is ( an ins9uat+ address1 he may get a  
glimpse ( _! daily life4 ,!n he w g away
 firmly conv9c$ t he kn[s q a lot ab\t !
 ,nor? ,woods ,indian4  ,& s he does4 ,b
 ?is ,nor? ,woods ,indian is !          
,res]vation ,indian4 ,& 9 ! ,nor? a     
,res]vation ,indian is z diff]5t f a    
,woods ,indian z a negro is f a ,*9ese4 
,suppose1 on ! o!r h&1 y\r t\ri/ is     
un=tunate en\gh to get left at "s ,nor? 
,woods railway /ation :]e he has desc5d$
 f ! transcont95tal to /ret* 8 legs1 &  
suppose him to h happ5$ on a fur-t[n l  
,miss9ibie at ! precise "t :5 ! trapp]s 
are 9 f ! wilds4 ,ne> ! bord]s ( !      

village he w come ^u a little encampm5t 
( conical tepees4 ,at 8 approa* ! wom5 &
 *ildr5 w disappe> into inn] d>kness4 ,a
 doz5 wolf-l dogs w ru% out b>k+4       
,grave-fac$ m5 w respond sil5tly to 8   
salutation4  ,^! m51 he w be int]e/$ to 
obs]ve1 we> /ill ! de] or moose sk9     
moccas9--! lighte/ & easie/ foot-ge> = !
 woods2 b9d _! long hair ) a n>r[       
fillet1 & _! wai/s ) a r$ or /rip$ wor/$
 sa%2 keep w>m "u ! blanket ?ickness ( a
 ,hudson ,bay capote2 & deck _! clo!s ) 
a v>iety ( b>b>ic ornam5t4 ,he w see    
ab\t camp weapons ^: acqua9tance he has 
made only 9 museums1 peltries ( ^:      
id5tification he is by no means sure1 & 
z matt]s ( daily use--sn[-%oes1 b>k     
canoes1 b[s & arr[s--:at to him h be5   
articles ( ornam5t or curiosity4        
,to-morr[ ^! p w be gone = ano!r ye>1   
c>ry+ ) !m ! results ( ! week's b>t]4   
,nei!r he nor 8 k9d w see !m aga91      
unless !y too j\rney f> into ! ,sil5t   
,places4 ,b he has caught a glimpse ( ! 
/olid mask ( ! ,woods ,indian1 conc]n+  

:om (ficially no?+ is kn[n4  ,9 _m      
respects ! ,woods ,indian is !          
legitimate desc5dant ( ! ,coop] ,indian4
 ,8 life is l$ entirely 9 ! =e/s2 8     
subsi/5ce is assur$ by hunt+1 fi%+1 &   
trapp+2 8 dwell+ is ! wigwam1 & 8       
habitation ! wide rea*es ( ! wild]ness  
ly+ betwe5 ,lake ,sup]ior & ! ,hudson   
,bay2 8 relation to humanity conf9$ to  
int]c\rse ) 8 own p & acqua9tance ) ! m5
 :o b>t] = 8 peltries4 ,s 8 dep5d5ce is 
n on ! _w ! :ite man has br\ght1 b on   
himself & 8 natural environm5t4         
,civilization has m]ely ornam5t$ 8      
anci5t mann]4 ,x has giv5 him !         
conv5i5ce ( clo?1 ( fire>ms1 ( /eel     
traps1 ( iron kettles1 ( mat*es2 x has  
accu/om$ him to ! luxuries ( :ite       
sug>--?\gh he _h always 8 own maple     
product--tea1 fl\r1 & :ite man's        
tobacco4 ,t is ab\t all4 ,he kn[s no?+ (
 :isky4 ,! t[ns are nev] visit$ by him1 
& ! ,hudson's ,bay ,company w sell him  
no liquor4 ,8 conc]n ) y is n great1 =  
he has little to ga9 f y4  ,?is p1 !n1  

dep5d+ on natural res\rces = subsi/5ce1 
has reta9$ to a great ext5t ! qualities 
( ! e>ly aborig9es4  ,to beg9 )1 x is   
di/9ctly nomadic4 ,! great rolls ( bir* 
b>k to cov] ! po9t$ tepees are easily   
transport$ 9 ! bottoms ( canoes1 & !    
poles are quickly cut & put 9 place4 ,z 
a consequ5ce1 ! ,ojibway family is      
always on ! move4 ,x se>*es out new     
trapp+-gr\nds1 new fi%]ies1 x pays      
visits1 x seems ev5 to enjoy travel = ! 
sake ( exploration4 ,9 w9t] a tepee (   
d\ble wall is built1 ^: holl[ is /uff$ )
 moss to keep out ! cold2 b ev5 t       
approximation ( p]man5ce _c /& aga9/ !  
slighte/ conv5i5ce4 ,:5 an ,indian      
kills1 (t5 he does n transport 8 game to
 camp1 b moves 8 camp to ! vic9ity ( !  
c>cass4 ,!re are ( ^! woods dwell]s no  
villages1 no p]man5t cle>+s4 ,! vic9ity 
( a ,hudson's ,bay po/ is sometimes     
occupi$ = a mon? or s dur+ ! summ]1 b t 
is all4  ,an obvi\s coroll>y ( ?is is t 
tribal life does n consi/5tly obta94    
,?r\gh\t ! summ] mon?s1 :5 game & fur   

are at _! poore/1 ! b&s assemble1       
probably at ! times ( b>t] ) ! trad]s4  
,!n = ! %ort p]iod ( ! idl+ season !y   
drift toge!r up & d[n ! ,nor? ,c\ntry   
/reams1 or camp = big p[-w[s & conjur+  
ne> "s pleasant conflux ( riv]s4 ,b :5 !
 fir/ fro/s nip ! leaves1 ! families    
sep>ate to _! allott$ trapp+ di/ricts1  
!re to sp5d ! w9t] 9 pursuit ( ! real   
bus9ess ( life4  ,! tribe is ?us split  
into _m gr\ps1 rang+ 9 numb]s f !       
solit>y trapp]1 eag] to w9 en\gh fur to 
buy him a wife1 to a compact little gr\p
 ( ?ree or f\r families closely relat$ 9
 blood4 ,! mo/ /rik+ consequ5ce is t1   
unlike o!r ,indian bodies politic1 !re  
are no regul>ly con/itut$ & ackn[l$g$   
*iefs4 ,c]ta9 individuals ga9 a         
rem>kable reputation & an equally       
rem>kable respect = wisdom1 or hunt+    
skill1 or p[] ( woodcraft1 or travel4   
,^! m5 are ! s-call$ old m5 (t5 m5tion$ 
9 ,indian manife/oes1 ?\gh age has no?+ 
to d ) ! def]5ce accord$ !m4 ,tawab9isy 
is n m ?an ?irty-five ye>s old2 ,pet]1  

our ,hudson ,bay ,indian1 is h>dly m ?an
 a boy4 ,yet bo? are obey$ implicitly by
 :omev] !y happ5 to be )2 bo? lead ! way
 by riv] or trail2 & bo?1 :]e "q arises1
 are s\ght 9 advice by m5 old en\gh to  
be _! fa!rs4 ,p]haps ?is is z good a    
democracy z ano!r4  ,! life s briefly   
h9t$ at 9 ! =ego+ l9es inevitably       
develops & fo/]s an exp]tness (         
woodcraft almo/ beyond belief4 ,!       
,ojibway kn[s 8 environm5t4 ,! =e/ is to
 him s famili> 9 ea* & e "o ( its num]\s
 & subtle aspects t ! slighte/ dep>ture 
f ! normal /rikes 8 att5tion at once4 ,a
 pat* ( br[n %ad[ :]e gre5 %ad[ %\ld    
fall1 a %imm]+ ( leaves :]e %\ld be     
m]ely a g5tle wav+1 a cross-light :]e ! 
usual =e/ gr[? %\ld adumbrate1 a fla% ( 
w+s at a "t ( day :5 fea!r$ creatures   
ord9>ily re/ quiet--^!1 & hundr$s ( o!rs
 :i* y & ,i %\ld nev] ev5 guess at1 =ce 
!mselves z gl>+ly on an ,indian's notice
 z a brass b& 9 a city /reet4 ,a :ite   
man looks = game2 an ,indian sees x     
because x diff]s f ! =e/4  ,t is1 (     

c\rse1 a matt] ( long exp]i5ce &        
lifetime habit4 ,7 x a "q m]ely ( ?is1 !
 :ite man might also 9 "t atta9 ! same  
skill4 ,b ! ,indian is a bett] animal4  
,8 s5ses are appreciably %>p] ?an our   
own4  ,9 j\rney+ d[n ! ,kapskasng ,riv]1
 our ,indians--:o _h come f ! woods to  
guide u--always saw game long be=e we   
did4 ,!y w\ld nev] po9t x out to u4 ,!  
b[ ( ! canoe w\ld sw+ sil5tly 9 its     
direction1 !re to re/ motionless until  
we indicat$ we _h se5 some?+4  ,:]e is  
x1 ,pet]8 ,i w\ld :isp]4  ,b ,pet]      
always rema9$ contemptu\sly sil5t4  ,"o 
ev5+ we paddl$ directly into ! eye ( !  
sett+ sun across a %all[ little lake    
fill$ ) h>dly sunk5 b\ld]s4 ,!re 0 no   
curr5t1 & no brea? ( w9d to /ir ! wat]  
into betray+ riffles4 ,b inv>iably ^?   
,indians twi/$ ! canoe into a new c\rse 
t5 feet be=e we rea*$ "o ( !            
ob/ructions1 ^: exi/5ce our dazzl$      
vision c\ld n atte/ until !y 7 actually 
bel[ u4 ,!y saw ^? rocks1 ?r\gh ! %imm] 
( ! surface gl>e4  ,ano!r "t ,i discov]$

 a small black animal ly+ flat on a po9t
 ( %ale4 ,its head 0 conceal$ beh9d a   
b\ld]1 & x 0 s f> away t ,i 0 incl9$ to 
congratulate myself on hav+ diff]5tiat$ 
x f ! %ad[4  ,:at is x1 ,pet]8 ,i ask$4 
,pet] h>dly glanc$ at x4  ,n9ny-mo%     
7dog71 he repli$4  ,n[ we 7 a hundr$    
miles s\? ( ! ,hudson's ,bay po/1 & two 
weeks nor? ( any o!r settlem5t4 ,sav+ a 
horse1 a dog w\ld be ab\t ! la/ ?+ to   
occur to "o 9 guess+ at ! id5tity ( any 
/range animal4 ,?is look$ l a little    
black blot*1 )\t =m4 ,yet ,pet] knew x4 
,x 0 a dog1 lo/ f "s ,indian hunt+-p>ty1
 & mightily glad to see u4  ,! s5se (   
smell1 too1 is develop$ to an ext5t     
positively uncanny to u :o h ne$$ x s   
little4 ,y\r ,woods ,indian is always   
sniff+1 always te/+ ! impressions ( o!r 
s5ses by 8 olfactories4 ,in/ances num]\s
 & v>i$ might be cit$1 b probably "o w d
 z well z a doz54 ,x once became        
desirable to kill a c>ib\ 9 c\ntry :]e !
 animals are n at all abundant4         
,tawab9isy volunte]$ to take ,jim )9 %ot

 ( "o4 ,jim describes _! hunt z ! mo/   
wond]ful bit ( /alk+ he _h ev] se54 ,!  
,indian foll[$ ! animal's tracks z      
easily z y or ,i c\ld h foll[$ !m ov]   
sn[4 ,he did ?is rapidly & c]ta9ly4 ,e  
once 9 a :ile he w\ld get d[n on all    
f\rs to sniff inquir+ly at ! cru%$      
h]bage4 ,always on ris+ to 8 feet he    
w\ld give ! result ( 8 inve/igations4   
,ah-tek c>ib\ "o h\r4  ,& lat]1 ,ah-tek 
half h\r4  ,or aga91 ,ah-tek qu>t] h\r4 
,& f9ally1 ,ah-tek ov] nex' hill4  ,& x 
0 s4  ,9 l mann]1 b mo/ rem>kable to u  
because ! te/ ( direct comp>ison ) our  
own s5se 0 p]mitt$ u1 0 _! acut5ess (   
he>+4 ,(t5 :ile jump+ a ro>+ rapids 9   
two canoes1 my companion & ,i h he>d our
 m5 talk+ to ea* o!r 9 q an ord9>y tone 
( voice4 ,t is to say1 ,i c\ld he> my   
,indian1 & ,jim c\ld he> 82 b p]sonally 
we 7 =c$ to %\t l\dly to c>ry across !  
noise ( ! /ream4 ,! di/ant approa* (    
animals !y ann\nce accurately4          
,wawa%ke% 7de]71 says ,pet]4  ,& sure   
en\gh1 aft] an int]val1 we too c\ld     

di/+ui% ! footfalls on ! dry leaves4  ,z
 bo? cause & consequ5ce ( ^! physical   
end[m5ts--:i* place !m ne>ly on a p>ity 
) ! game itself--!y are mo/ exp]t       
hunt]s4 ,e sportsman kn[s !             
importance--& also ! difficulty--(      
discov]+ game be=e x discov]s him4 ,!   
,indian has "h an imm5se advantage4 ,&  
aft] game is discov]$1 he is fur!rmore  
mo/ exp]t 9 approa*+ x ) all ! ref9$ art
 ( ! /ill hunt]4  ,mr4 ,casp> ,:itney   
describes 9 exasp]ation 8 exp]i5ce ) !  
,indians ( ! ,f> ,nor?-,we/4 ,he        
compla9s t :5 !y blund] on game !y drop 
ev]y?+ & ent] into almo/ hopeless *ase1 
two legs aga9/ f\r4 ,occasionally !     
qu>ry becomes en\gh bewild]$ s t ! wild 
%oot+ w br+ x d[n4 ,he q ju/ly argues t 
! m]e/ pret5ce at caution 9 approa* w\ld
 result 9 mu* great] success4  ,! ,woods
 ,indian is no su* fool4 ,he is a mighty
 poor %ot--& he kn[s x4 ,p]sonally ,i   
believe he %uts bo? eyes be=e pull+     
trigg]4 ,he is arm$ ) a long fl9t or    
p]cussion lock musket1 ^: gas-pipe b>rel

 is b\nd to ! wood t runs its entire    
l5g? by means ( brass b&s1 & ^:         
effective range mu/ be ab\t t5 y>ds4    
,?is ar*aic implem5t is kn[n z a trade  
gun & has ! s+le m]it ( nev] gett+ out (
 ord]4 ,fur!rmore ammunition is preci\s4
 ,9 consequ5ce1 ! wild]ness hunt] is n  
go+ to be m]ely pretty sure2 he int5ds  
to be absolutely c]ta94 ,if he _c       
approa* ne> en\gh to bl[ a hole 9 8     
prey1 he does n fire4  ,i h se5 ,pet]   
drop into m>%-grass s ?9 t app>5tly we  
c\ld disc]n ! surface ( ! gr\nd ?r\gh x1
 & disappe> s completely t our mo/ e>ne/
 att5tion c\ld n di/+ui% ev5 a ru/l+ ( !
 h]bage4 ,aft] an int]val 8 gun w\ld g  
(f f "s di/ant po9t1 exactly :]e "s     
ducks _h be5 fe$+ s]5ely oblivi\s to    
fate4 ,nei!r ( u :ite m5 w\ld h consid]$
 = a mom5t ! possibility ( gett+ any (  
!m4 ,once ,i felt r pr\d ( myself =     
kill+ six ruff$ gr\se out ( "s trees ) !
 pi/ol1 until ,pet] drift$ 9 c>ry+ ?ree 
he _h bagg$ ) a /ick4  ,ano!r int]e/+   
phase ( ?is almo/ p]fect correspond5ce  

to environm5t is ! read9ess ) :i* an    
,indian w meet an em]g5cy4 ,we are      
accu/om$ to rely fir/ ( all on ! skill$ 
lab\r ( "s "o we c hire2 second1 if we  
und]take ! job ourselves1 on ! tools    
made = u by skill$ lab\r2 & ?ird1 on !  
%ops to supply u ) ! mat]ials we may    
ne$4 ,n once 9 a lifetime are we ?r[n   
entirely on our own res\rces4 ,!n we    
improvise bungl+ly a make%ift4  ,!      
,woods ,indian possesses 8 knife & 8    
light axe4 ,nails1 planes1 glue1 *isels1
 vices1 cord1 rope1 & all ! re/ ( x he  
has to d )\t4 ,b he nev] improvises     
make%ifts4 ,no matt] :at ! exig5cy or h[
 complicat$ ! dem&1 8 exp]i5ce answ]s ) 
accuracy4  ,ut5sils & tools he kn[s     
exactly :]e to f9d4 ,8 job is neat &    
workmanlike1 :e!r x is a b>k            
receptacle--wat]-tight or n--a pair (   
sn[-%oes1 ! repair+ ( a badly-sma%$     
canoe1 ! con/ruction ( a %elt]1 or !    
fa%ion+ ( a paddle4 ,ab\t noon "o day   
,tawab9isy broke 8 axe-helve squ>e (f4  
,?is to u w\ld h be5 a s]i\s affair4    

,probably we %\ld1 left to ourselves1 h 
/uck 9 "s sort ( a r\gh /raight sapl+   
h&le :i* w\ld h answ]$ well en\gh until 
we c\ld h b\ght ano!r4 ,by ! "t we _h   
cook$ d9n] t ,indian _h fa%ion$ ano!r   
helve4 ,we comp>$ x ) ! /ore article4 ,x
 0 z well %ap$1 z smoo?1 z nicely       
balanc$4 ,9 fact1 z we laid ! new & !   
old side by side1 we c\ld n h select$1 f
 any evid5ce ( ! workman%ip1 :i* _h be5 
made by ma*9e & :i* by h&4 ,tawab9isy !n
 burn$ out ! wood f ! axe1 retemp]$ !   
/eel1 set ! new helve1 & w$g$ x neatly )
 ironwood w$ges4 ,! :ole affair1 includ+
 ! cutt+ ( ! timb]1 consum$ p]haps half 
an h\r4  ,to travel ) a ,woods ,indian  
is a con/ant s\rce ( delight on ?is     
acc\nt4 ,s _m little ?+s t ! :ite man   
does )\t1 because he w n bo!r ) _!      
transportation1 ! ,indian makes =       
himself4 ,& s quickly & easily6 ,i h se5
 a ?or\ghly wat]pro(1 commodi\s1 &      
com=table b>k %elt] made 9 ab\t ! "t x  
w\ld take "o to pit* a t5t4 ,i h se5 a  
raft built ( c$> logs & c$> b>k ropes 9 

an h\r4 ,i h se5 a badly-/ove canoe made
 z good z new 9 fifte5 m9utes4 ,!       
,indian r>ely ne$s to hunt = ! mat]ials 
he requires4 ,he kn[s exactly :]e !y    
gr[1 & he turns z directly to !m z a    
cl]k w\ld turn to 8 %elves4 ,no problem 
( ! liv+ ( physical life is too obscure 
to h escap$ 8 v>i$ exp]i5ce4 ,y may     
travel ) ,indians = ye>s1 & le>n some?+ 
new & delightful z to h[ to take c>e (  
y\rself e summ]4  ,! qualities ,i h     
m5tion$ come prim>ily f ! fact t !      
,woods ,indian is a hunt]4 ,i h n[ to   
in/ance two ^: developm5t c be trac$ to 
! o!r fact--t he is a nomad4 ,i ref] to 
8 skill ) ! b>k canoe & 8 ability to    
c>ry4  ,i 0 once introduc$ to a man at a
 little way /ation ( ! ,canadian        
,pacific ,railway 9 ! foll[+ words3--   
,%ake h&s ) ,munson2 he's z good a      
canoeman z an ,indian4  ,a little lat]  
"o ( ! by/&]s rem>k$ to me3--  ,t fell[ 
y 0 j talk+ ) is z good a canoeman z an 
,injun4  ,/ill lat]1 at an entirely     
diff]5t place1 a memb] ( ! b> in=m$ me1 

9 ! c\rse ( discussion3--  ,! only man  
,i "k ( :o c d x is nam$ ,munson4 ,he is
 z good a canoeman z an ,indian4  ,at ! 
"t ?is unanimity ( praise puzzl$ me a   
little4 ,i ?\ght ,i _h se5 "s pretty    
good canoe "w1 & ev5 *]i%$ a mild       
conceit t occasionally ,i c\ld keep "r  
side up myself4 ,i knew ,munson to be a 
great woods-travell]1 ) _m /rik+        
qualities1 & :y ?is ( canoeman%ip %\ld  
be s insi/5tly *os5 above ! o!rs 0      
beyond my compreh5sion4 ,subsequ5tly a  
companion & ,i j\rney$ to ,hudson ,bay )
 two bir* canoes & two ,indians4 ,s9ce t
 trip ,i h _h a va/ respect = ,munson4  
,und\bt$ly among ! half-bre$ & :ite     
guides ( ,l[] ,canada1 ,ma9e1 & !       
,adirondacks are _m skilful m54 ,b !y "k
 _! wat]s2 !y foll[ a beat5 track4 ,!   
,woods ,indian--well1 let me tell y     
some?+ ( :at he does4  ,we w5t d[n !    
,kapskasng ,riv] to ! ,mattgami1 & !n   
d[n t to ! ,moose4 ,^! riv]s are at fir/
 b a hundr$ feet or s wide1 b rapidly   
swell ) ! influx ( numb]less small]     

/reams4 ,two days' j\rney br+s y to a   
wat]c\rse ne>ly half a mile 9 bread?2   
two weeks f9ds y on a surface           
approximately a mile & a half across4   
,all ?is wat] desc5ds f ! ,height ( ,l& 
to ! sea level4 ,x does s ?r\gh a rock  
c\ntry4 ,! result is a s]ies ( ro>+1    
da%+ b\ld] rapids & wat]falls t w\ld    
make y\r hair /& on end m]ely to        
contemplate f ! banks4  ,! regul> r\te  
to ,moose ,factory is by ! ,miss9abie4  
,our way 0 new & /range4 ,no trails2 no 
k ( ! c\ntry4 ,:5 we came to a /ret* (  
:ite wat]1 ! ,indians w\ld rise to _!   
feet = a s+le in/ant's se>*+ exam9ation 
( ! /ret* ( tumbl$ wat] be=e !m4 ,9 t   
mom5t !y pick$ ! passage !y 7 to foll[ z
 well z a :ite man c\ld h done s 9 half 
an h\r's /udy4 ,!n )\t hesitation !y %ot
 _! little craft at ! gre5 wat]4  ,f t  
"t we m]ely tri$ to sit /ill1 ea* 9 8   
canoe4 ,ea* ,indian did x all ) 8 s+le  
paddle4 ,he seem$ to possess absolute   
control ov] 8 craft4  ,ev5 9 ! ru% (    
wat] :i* seem$ to hurry u on at almo/   

railroad spe$1 he c\ld /op = an in/ant1 
"w directly sideways1 %oot =w>d at a    
slant1 sw+ ei!r 8 b[ or 8 /]n4 ,an error
 9 judgm5t or 9 ! in/antane\s act+ ^u x 
meant a hit2 & a hit 9 ^! savage ,nor?  
,c\ntry ,riv]s meant de/ruction4 ,h[ my 
man kept 9 8 m9d ! passage he _h plann$ 
dur+ 8 mom5t>y inspection 0 always to me
 a miracle4 ,h[ he got s unruly a bea/ z
 ! bir* canoe to foll[ x 9 t te>+ volume
 ( wat] 0 always ano!r4 ,big b\ld]s he  
dodg$1 eddies he took advantage (1      
slants ( curr5t he utiliz$4 ,a          
fractional second ( hesitation c\ld n be
 p]mitt$ him4 ,b always ! clut*+ ( :ite 
h&s f ! rip at ! eddy f9ally convey$ to 
my spray-dr5*$ faculties t ! rapid 0    
safely a/]n4 ,& ?is1 m9d y1 9 /range    
wat]s4  ,occasionally we w\ld c>ry our  
outfit ?r\gh ! woods1 :ile ! ,indians   
w\ld %oot "s especially bad wat] 9 !    
light canoe4 ,z a spectacle no?+ c\ld be
 f9]4 ,! fla% ( ! yell[ b>k1 ! movem5t (
 ! brok5 wat]s1 ! gleam ( ! paddle1 !   
t5se al]tness ( ! m5's figures1 _! c>v51

 passive faces1 ) ! contra/ ( ! fla%+   
eyes & ! di/5d$ no/rils1 !n ! leap into 
space ov] "s half-cat>act1 ! sma% (     
spray1 ! exultant yells ( ! canoem56 ,= 
y\r ,indian enjoys ! game ?or\ghly4 ,& x
 requires v bad wat] inde$ to make him  
take to ! bru%4  ,?is is1 ( c\rse1 !    
spectacul>4 ,b also 9 ! ord9>y gray     
bus9ess ( canoe travel ! ,woods ,indian 
%[s 8 sup]iority4 ,he is tireless1 &    
compos$ z to wri/ & %\ld] ( a numb] (   
:ale-bone spr+s4 ,f e>ly dawn to dewy   
eve1 & !n a few gratuit\s h\rs into !   
night1 he w dig en]getic holes 9 ! wat] 
) 8 long1 n>r[ blade4 ,& e /roke c\nts4 
,! wat] boils out 9 a splot* ( :ite     
air-bubbles1 ! little suction holes     
pir\ette l danc+-girls1 ! fabric ( !    
craft itself trembles "u ! p[] ( !      
/roke4 ,jim & ,i us$1 9 ! lake /ret*es1 
to amuse ourselves--& probably !        
,indians--by paddl+ 9 furi\s rivalry "o 
aga9/ ! o!r4 ,!n ,pet] w\ld make up 8   
m9d he w\ld l to speak to ,jacob4 ,8    
canoe w\ld %oot up alongside z ?\gh !   

,old ,man ( ! ,lake _h laid 8 h& across 
its /]n4 ,w\ld ,i c\ld cat* t trick (   
easy1 tireless spe$6 ,i "k x lies       
some:at 9 keep+ bo? elb[s always /raight
 & /iff1 9 a lur* =w>d ( ! %\ld]s at !  
end ( ! /roke4 ,b t1 & m6 ,p]haps "o    
ne$s a copp] sk9 & beady black eyes )   
surface lights4  ,nor ne$ y hope to pole
 a canoe up/ream z d ^! p4 ,tawab9isy   
uses two %ort poles1 "o 9 ei!r h&1      
kneels amid%ips1 & snakes t little old  
canoe ( 8 up/ream s fa/ t y w\ld swe> ! 
rapids an easy matt]--until y tri$ !m   
y\rself4 ,we 7 once trail$ up a riv] by 
an old ,woods ,indian & 8 int]e/+       
family4 ,! outfit consi/$ ( canoe ,numb]
 ,"o--item1 "o old ,inj91 "o boy ( eight
 ye>s1 "o dog2 canoe ,numb] ,two--item1 
"o old ,inj9 squaw1 "o girl ( eighte5 or
 tw5ty1 "o dog2 canoe ,numb]            
,?ree--item1 two little girls ( t5 &    
twelve1 "o dog4 ,we tri$ desp]ately =   
?ree days to get away f ?is p>ty4 ,x did
 n seem to "w h>d at all4 ,we did4 ,ev5 
! two little girls appe>$ to dip !      

contemplative paddle f "t to "t4 ,wat]  
boil$ back ( our own blades4 ,we />t$   
e>ly & quit late1 & ab\t z we           
congratulat$ ourselves ov] our ev5+ fire
 t we _h di/anc$ our foll[]s at la/1 ^? 
?ree canoes w\ld /eal sil5tly & calmly  
ab\t ! l[] b5d to draw a%ore bel[ u4 ,9 
t5 m9utes ! old ,indian 0 deliv]+ an    
oration to u1 squatt$ 9 resignation4  ,!
 ,r$ ,gods alone "k :at he talk$ ab\t4  
,he _h no ,engli%1 & our ,ojibway 0 ( ! 
/rictly utilit>ian4 ,b = an h\r he w\ld 
hold =?4 ,we call$ him ,talk-9-!-,face1 
! ,great ,indian ,*ief4 ,!n he w\ld drop
 a mild h9t = symon1 :i* means tobacco1 
& dep>t4 ,by t5 o'clock ! next morn+ he 
& 8 p w\ld ov]take u 9 spite ( our e>li]
 />t4 ,usually we 7 9 ! act ( dragg+ our
 canoe ?r\gh an especially vici\s rapid 
by means ( a t[-l9e4 ,_! ?ree canoes1   
ev5 to ! *ildr5's1 w\ld asc5d easily by 
means ( poles4 ,t[-l9es appe>$ to be    
unsportsmanlike--l angle-worms4 ,!n !   
entire n9e--includ+ ! dogs--w\ld roo/ on
 rocks & wat* critically our me?ods4  ,!

 incid5t _h "o value1 h[ev]3 x %[$ u j  
:y ^! p possess ! m>vell\s canoe skill  
,i h attempt$ to sket*4 ,! little boy 9 
! lead+ canoe 0 n ov] eight or n9e ye>s 
( age1 b he _h 8 little paddle & 8      
little canoe-pole1 &1 :at is m1 he      
already us$ !m intellig5tly & well4 ,z =
 ! little girls--well1 !y did easily    
feats ,i nev] hope to emulate1 & t )\t  
remov+ ! c[l-l cov]+s f _! heads &      
%\ld]s4  ,! same e>ly habitude probably 
acc\nts = _! ability to c>ry weights    
long di/ances4 ,! ,woods ,indian is n a 
mighty man physically4 ,mo/ ( !m are    
/raight & well built1 b ( only m$ium    
height1 & n wond]fully muscl$4 ,pet] 0  
mo/ beautiful1 b 9 ! fa%ion ( ! fly+    
,m]cury1 ) long smoo? pan!r muscles4 ,he
 look$ l ,uncas1 especially :5 8 ke5    
hawk-face 0 fix$ 9 di/ant att5tion4 ,b  
,i ?9k ,i c\ld h wre/l$ ,pet] d[n4 ,yet 
"t & aga9 ,i h se5 t ,indian c>ry two   
hundr$ p\nds = "s miles ?r\gh a r\gh    
c\ntry absolutely )\t trails4 ,& once ,i
 0 witness ( a feat ( ,tawab9isy1 :5 t  

wily savage portag$ a pack ( fifty p\nds
 & a two-man canoe ?r\gh a hill c\ntry =
 f\r h\rs & t5 m9utes )\t a re/4        
,tawab9isy is ev5 small] ?an ,pet]4  ,s 
mu* = ! qualities develop$ by ! woods   
life4 ,let u n[ exam9e :at may be       
describ$ z ! inh]5t *>act]i/ics ( ! p4  
,,xvi4  ,,on ,,woods ,,indians          
7cont9u$74   ,x mu/ be und]/ood1 (      
c\rse1 t ,i (f] y only ! be/ ( my       
subject4 ,a p c\nts = :at x does well4  
,also ,i in/ance m5 ( /&+ 9 ! loose     
,indian body politic4 ,a travell] c     
easily discov] ! rev]se ( ! m$al4 ,^! h 
_! %irks1 _! d-no?+s1 _! m5 ( small     
acc\nt1 j z d o!r races4 ,i h no ?\ght (
 glorify+ ! noble r$ man1 nor ( claim+ =
 him a fre$om f human imp]fection--ev5  
:]e 8 natural quality & tra9+ c\nt !    
mo/--great] ?an enlight5m5t has be5 able
 to rea*4  ,9 my exp]i5ce ! hone/y ( !  
,woods ,indian is ( a v high ord]4 ,!   
s5se ( m9e & ?9e is /rongly =c$ by !    
exig5cies ( ! ,nor? ,woods life4 ,a man 
is always on ! move2 he is always       

explor+ ! unkn[n c\ntries4 ,manife/ly x 
is impossible = him to transport !      
entire sum ( 8 worldly effects4 ,!      
implem5ts ( w9t] are a burd5 9 summ]4   
,also ! return j\rney f di/ant %ores mu/
 be provid$ = by food-/ations1 to be    
reli$ on4 ,! solution ( ^! ne$s is !    
ca*e4  ,& ! ca*e is n a lit]al t]m at   
all4 ,x conceals no?+4 ,r does x hold   
al(t 9 long-legg$ prom95ce1 = !         
inspection ( all :o pass1 :at ! own] has
 se5 fit to leave beh9d4 ,a heavy plat=m
 high en\gh f ! gr\nd to fru/rate !     
inve/igations ( animals is all t is     
requir$4 ,visual concealm5t is          
unnecess>y1 because 9 ! ,nor? ,c\ntry a 
ca*e is sacr$4 ,on x may dep5d ! life ( 
a man4 ,he :o leaves provisions mu/ f9d 
!m on 8 return1 = he may rea* !m />v+1 &
 ! l5g? ( 8 out-j\rney may dep5d on 8   
c]ta9ty ( relief at ?is po9t on 8       
9-j\rney4 ,s m5 pass+ t\* n 8 ho>d1 = "s
 day !y may be 9 ! same fix1 & a prec$5t
 is a bad ?+4  ,illu/ration3 ,,nor ,,ne$
 ,,y ,,hope ,,to ,,pole ,a ,,canoe      

,,up/ream ,,z ,,d ,,^! ,,p4  ,?us 9 p>ts
 ( ! wilde/ c\ntries ( nor!rn ,canada ,i
 h unexpect$ly come ^u a bir* canoe 9   
capsiz$ susp5sion betwe5 two trees2 or a
 :ole bun* ( sn[-%oes dep5d+ fruit-l    
b5ea? ! fans ( a spruce2 or a tangle (  
/eel traps ?ru/ into ! crevice ( a      
tree-root2 or a supply ( pork & fl\r1   
swa!d l an ,egyptian mummy1 occupy+     
/ately a high bi]4 ,^! ?+s we h pass$ by
 rev]5tly1 z symbols ( a p's tru/ 9 its 
k9d4  ,! same sort ( hone/y holds 9     
reg>d to small] ?+s4 ,i h nev] hesitat$ 
to leave 9 my camp fire>ms1 fi%+-rods1  
ut5sils valuable f a woods po9t ( view1 
ev5 a wat* or money4 ,n only h ,i nev]  
lo/ any?+ 9 t mann]1 b once an ,indian  
lad foll[$ me "s miles aft] ! morn+'s   
/>t to re/ore to me a half-doz5 tr\t    
flies ,i _h accid5tally left beh9d4  ,x 
might be readily inf]r$ t ?is quality   
c>ries ov] into ! subtleties1 z inde$ is
 ! case4 ,mr4 ,mac,donald ( ,brunswick  
,h\se once discuss$ ) me ! sy/em (      
cr$its c>ri$ on by ! ,hudson's ,bay     

,company ) ! trapp]s4 ,ea* family is    
advanc$ goods to ! value ( two hundr$   
doll>s1 ) ! und]/&+ t ! debt is to be   
paid f ! season's cat*4  ,i %\ld ?9k y  
w\ld lose a good deal1 ,i v5tur$4 ,no?+ 
c\ld be easi] ?an = an ,indian to take 8
 two hundr$ doll>s' wor? & disappe> 9 ! 
woods4 ,y'd nev] be able to f9d him4    
,mr4 ,mac,donald's reply /ruck me1 = !  
man _h tw5ty ye>s' trad+ exp]i5ce4  ,i h
 nev]1 said he1 9 a long woods life kn[n
 b "o ,indian li>4  ,?is my own limit$  
woods-w&]+ has prov$ to be true to a    
sometimes almo/ ridicul\s ext5t4 ,! mo/ 
trivial /atem5t ( fact c be reli$ on1   
provid$ x is giv5 outside ( trade or    
enmity or absolute indiff]5ce4 ,!       
,indian loves to fool ! t5d]foot4 ,b a  
sob]1 measur$ /atem5t y c conclude is   
accurate4 ,& if an ,indian promises a   
?+1 he w accompli% x4 ,he expects y to d
 ! same4 ,wat* y\r lighte/ words        
c>efully & y w\ld reta9 ! respect ( y\r 
r$ associates4  ,on our way to ! ,hudson
 ,bay we ra%ly ask$ ,pet]1 t[>ds ! la/1 

:5 we %\ld rea* ,moose ,factory4 ,he    
delib]at$4  ,t'ursday1 said he4  ,?+s   
w5t wrong2 ,?ursday suppli$ a head w9d4 
,we _h absolutely no int]e/ 9 rea*+     
,moose ,factory next day2 ! next week   
w\ld h done z well4 ,b ,pet]1 deaf to   
expo/ulation1 entreaty1 & comm&1 kept u 
travell+ f six 9 ! morn+ until aft]     
twelve at night4 ,we c\ldn't get him to 
/op4 ,f9ally he drew ! canoes a%ore4    
,moose-amik qu>t] h\r1 said he4  ,he _h 
kept 8 ^w4  ,! ,ojibway possesses a     
great pride :i* ! un?9k+ c ruffle q     
unconsci\sly 9 _m ways4 ,consequ5tly !  
,woods ,indian is v>i\sly describ$ z a  
good guide or a bad "o4 ,! diff]5ce lies
 9 :e!r y sugge/ or comm&4  ,pet]1 y've 
got to make ,*icawgun to-night4 ,get a  
move on y6 w br+ y sull5 s]vice1 &      
probably bre$ kicks on ! grub supply1   
:i* is ! imm$iate precursor ( mut9y4    
,pet]1 x's a long way to ,*icawgun4 ,d y
 ?9k we make him to-night8 on ! o!r h&1 
w e>n y at lea/ a s]i\s consid]ation ( !
 "q4 ,& if ,pet] says y c1 y w4  ,= !   

prop] man ! ,ojibway takes a great pride
 9 8 woodcraft1 ! neatness ( 8 camps1 ! 
sav\ry quality ( 8 cook]y1 ! exp$ition (
 8 travel1 ! size ( 8 packs1 ! pati5ce (
 8 endurance4 ,on ! o!r h&1 he c be z   
sull51 ineffici5t1 /upid1 & v9dictive z 
any man ( any race on e>?4 ,i suppose ! 
faculty ( gett+ along ) m5 is l>gely    
inh]5t4 ,c]ta9ly x is bl5d$ ( _m        
subtleties4 ,to be fri5dly1 to reta9    
respect1 to praise1 to pres]ve au?ority1
 to direct & yet to leave detail1 to    
exact :at is due1 & yet to des]ve x--^! 
be ! qualities ( a lead]1 & _c be       
taught4  ,9 g5]al ! ,woods ,indian is   
sob]4 ,he _c get :isky regul>ly1 to be  
sure1 b ,i h (t5 se5 ! bett] class (    
,ojibways refuse a dr9k1 say+ t !y did n
 c>e = x4 ,he />ves well1 & keeps go+ on
 no?+ long aft] hope is vani%$4 ,he is  
pati5t--yea1 v pati5t--"u toil1 & s     
accompli%es great j\rneys1 ov]comes     
great difficulties1 & does great de$s by
 means ( ?is h&maid5 ( g5ius4 ,accord+  
to 8 own /&>ds is he clean4 ,to be sure 

8 ba?s are n num]\s1 nor 8 laundry-days 
_m1 b he nev] cooks until he has wa%$ 8 
h&s & arms to ! v %\ld]s4 ,o!r details  
w\ld b corroborate ! impression ( ?is   
in/ance--t 8 ideas diff] f ours1 z is 8 
"r1 b t he lives up to 8 ideas4 ,also is
 he hospitable1 expect+ no?+ 9 return4  
,aft] y\r canoe is afloat & y\r paddle 9
 ! riv]1 two or ?ree ( 8 y\ng/]s w spla%
 9 aft] y to toss silv] fi% to y\r      
necessities4 ,& s always he w wait until
 ?is la/ mom5t ( dep>ture1 9 ord] t y w 
n feel call$ on to give him some?+ 9    
return4 ,:i* is true tact & k9dl9ess1 & 
wor?y ( high praise4  ,p]haps ,i h n    
/rongly en\gh insi/$ t ! ,indian nations
 diff] z widely f "o ano!r z d unalli$  
races4 ,we f\nd ?is to be true ev5 9 !  
comp>atively brief j\rney f ,*apleau to 
,moose4 ,aft] pu%+ ?r\gh a trackless    
wild]ness )\t hav+ laid eyes on a human 
be+1 except+ ! s+le in/ance ( ?ree ,fr5*
 voyageurs go+ ,heav5 kn[s :]e1 we 7    
anticipat+ pleasurably our enc\nt] ) !  
trad]s at ! ,factory1 & naturally       

suppos$ t ,pet] & ,jacob w\ld be equally
 pleas$ at ! *ance ( visit+ ) _! own    
k9d4 ,n at all4 ,:5 we rea*$ ,moose our 
,ojibways wrapp$ !mselves 9 a mantle (  
dignity1 & /alk$ scornful amid/         
obsequi\s clans4 ,= ! ,ojibway is great 
among ,indians1 v]ily mu* great] ?an !  
,moose ,riv] ,crees4 ,_h x be5 a "q (   
,rup]t's ,riv] ,crees ) _! fi]ce        
blood-laws1 _! conjur+-lodges1 & _!     
pagan cu/oms1 ! affair might h be5      
diff]5t4  ,=1 m>k y1 ! ,moose ,riv]     
,cree is little among hunt]s1 & he      
conducts ! *ase miscellane\sly ov] 8    
di/rict )\t ?\ght to ! pres]vation ( !  
beav]1 & he works 9 ! hay m>%es dur+ !  
summ]1 & is %ort1 squab1 & dirty1 &     
g5]ally ka-w9-ni-%i-%94 ,! old sacr$    
tribal laws1 :i* are bett] ?an a        
religion because !y are practically     
adapt$ to nor!rn life1 h among !m be5   
all[$ to lapse4 ,travell]s !y are none1 
nor d _! trapp]s get f> f ! ,company's  
pork-b>rels4 ,s !y inbre$ ignobly = lack
 ( outside fav\r1 & are dy+ f ! face ( !

 l& ?r\gh dire diseases1 j z _!         
reputations h already di$ f m5's        
respect4  ,! great unwritt5 law ( ! =e/ 
is t1 save z provision dur+ legitimate  
travel1 "o may n hunt 9 8 neighb\r's    
di/rict4 ,ea* trapp] has assign$ him1 or
 gets by inh]itance or pur*ase1 c]ta9   
t]ritorial p[]4 ,9 8 l& he alone may    
trap4 ,he kn[s ! beav]-dams1 h[ _m      
animals ea* h>b\rs1 h[ l>ge a cat* ea* w
 /& )\t dim9ution ( ! supply4 ,s ! fur  
is made to la/4 ,9 ! s\!rn di/rict ?is  
division is tacitly agre$ ^u4 ,x is n   
etiquette to poa*4 ,:at w\ld happ5 to a 
poa*] no "o kn[s1 simply because !      
necessity = f9d+ out has n aris54       
,tawab9isy controls f ,bat*awanng to    
,agawa4 ,!re old ,waboos takes *>ge4 ,& 
s on4 ,b 9 ! ,f> ,nor? ! control is m   
(t5 disput$1 & !re ! blood-law /ill     
holds4 ,an illegal trapp] baits 8 sn>es 
) 8 life4 ,if discov]$1 he is summ>ily  
%ot4 ,s is ! game pres]v$4  ,! ,woods   
,indian nev] kills wa/e-fully4 ,! m]e   
pres5ce ( game does n bre$ 9 him a lu/  

to slaught] some?+4 ,mod]ation y le>n ( 
him fir/ ( all4 ,lat]1 provid$ y are )  
him long en\gh & y\r m9d is op5 to my/ic
 influ5ce1 y w feel ! /rong impress ( 8 
idea--t ! animals ( ! =e/ are n l[] ?an 
man1 b only diff]5t4 ,man is an animal  
liv+ ! life ( ! =e/2 ! bea/s are also a 
body politic speak+ a diff]5t language &
 ) diff]5t view-po9ts4 ,amik1 ! beav]1  
has c]ta9 ideas z to ! conduct ( life1  
c]ta9 habits ( body1 & c]ta9 bias (     
?\ght4 ,8 s*eme ( ?+s is totally at     
v>iance ) t held by ,me-en-gan1 ! wolf1 
b ev5 to u :ites ! two are on a p>ity4  
,man has /ill ano!r sy/em4 ,"o is no    
bett] ?an ano!r4 ,!y are m]ely diff]5t4 
,& j z ,me-en-gan preys on ,amik1 s does
 ,man kill = 8 own uses4  ,!nce are     
curi\s cu/oms4 ,a ,rup]t ,riv] ,cree w n
 kill a be> unless he1 ! hunt]1 is 9    
gala attire1 & !n n until he has made a 
%ort spee* 9 :i* he assures 8 victim t !
 affair is n "o ( p]sonal enmity1 b (   
exp$i5ce1 & t anyway he1 ! be>1 w be    
bett] (f 9 ! ,h]eaft]4 ,& !n ! skull is 

clean$ & set on a pole ne> runn+ wat]1  
!re to rema9 dur+ twelve moons4 ,also at
 ! tail-root ( a newly-deceas$ beav] is 
ti$ a ?ong braid$ ( r$ wool & de]sk94 ,&
 _m o!r curi\s habitudes :i* w\ld be (  
slight int]e/ "h4 ,likewise d !y conjure
 up by means ( racket & fa/+ ! famili>  
spirits ( di/ant fri5ds or enemies1 & on
 ^! spirits fa/5 a bless+ or a curse4   
,f ?is x may be d$uc$ t mission>y "w has
 n be5 z ?or\gh z might be hop$4 ,t is  
true4 ,! ,woods ,indian loves to s+1 &  
possesses qua9t melodies1 or r          
intonations1 ( 8 own4 ,b especially does
 he delight 9 ! long-drawn wail ( "s (  
our old-fa%ion$ hymns4 ,! *ur* (t5e/    
rea*es him ?r\gh !m4 ,i "k no?+ /rang]  
?an ! sight ( a little half-lit *ur*    
fill$ ) ,indians sway+ unctu\sly to &   
fro 9 ! rhy?m ( a cad5ce old ,watts w\ld
 h recogniz$ ) difficulty4 ,! religi\s  
feel+ ( ! p]=mance is n rem>kable1 b    
p]haps x does z a />t+-po9t4  ,exactly  
h[ valuable ! av]age mission>y "w is ,i 
h be5 puzzl$ to decide4 ,p]haps ! *ur*  

ne$s m intellig5ce 9 ! m5 x s5ds out4 ,!
 evangeli/ is usually fill$ ) n>r[1     
preconceiv$ notions z to ! prop]        
physical life4 ,he squeezes 8 savage    
into log h\ses1 boil$ %irts1 & boots4   
,:5 he has succe$$ 9 gett+ 8 tub]culosis
 crop well />t$1 he (f]s z comp5sation a
 doctr9al religion admirably adapt$ to  
u1 :o h )9 rea* ( c5tury-tra9$          
p]ceptions a ?\s& ( ! subtl]            
associations a savage c "k no?+ ab\t4   
,if !re is en\gh glitt] & t9 /eeple &   
high-s\nd+ (fice & gilt good-behavi\r   
c>d to x1 ! r$ man's pagan he>t is      
tickl$ 9 its vanity1 & he dies 9 ! od\r 
( sanctity--& ( a fil? 8 out-(-door life
 has nev] taught him h[ to avoid4 ,!    
,indian is l a raccoon3 9 8 prop]       
surr\nd+s he is clean morally &         
physically because he kn[s h[ to be s2 b
 9 a cage he is fil?y because he does n 
"k h[ to be o!rwise4  ,i mu/ n be       
und]/ood z condemn+ mission>y "w2 only !
 /upid mission>y "w "o mo/ (t5 sees 9 ! 
,nor?4 ,surely ,*ri/ianity %\ld be      

adaptable en\gh 9 its little ?+s to fit 
any p ) its great4 ,x seems h>d = "s m5 
to believe t x is n ess5tial = a real   
,*ri/ian to we> a plug-hat4 ,"o ,god1   
love1 k9dness1 *>ity1 hone/y1 "r liv+1  
may ?rive z well 9 ! wigwam z 9 a       
f\rsqu>e h\se--provid$ y let !m we>     
moccas9s & a capote :]e) to keep        
!mselves w>m & vital4  ,tawab9isy mu/ h 
_h 8 religi\s tra9+ at ! h&s ( a good   
man4 ,he _h lo/ none ( 8 aborig9al      
virtue & skill1 z may be ga!r$ f :at ,i 
h be=e said ( him1 & _h ga9$ 9 addition 
c]ta9 ( ! g5tle qualities4 ,i h nev] be5
 able to gauge exactly ! ext5t ( 8      
religi\s und]/&+1 = ,tawab9isy is a     
sil5t individual1 & possesses v little  
,engli%2 b ,i d "k t 8 religi\s feel+ 0 
deep & rev]5t4 ,he nev] swore 9 ,engli%2
 he did n dr9k2 he nev] travell$ or     
hunt$ or fi%$ on ,sunday :5 he c\ld     
possibly help x4 ,^! virtues he wore    
mode/ly & unassum+ly z an accu/om$      
g>m5t4 ,yet he 0 ! mo/ glori\sly natural
 man ,i h ev] met4  ,! ma9 reliance ( 8 

=malism :5 he 0 (f 9 ! woods seem$ to be
 a little tatt]$ volume1 :i* he p]us$   
dilig5tly all ,sunday1 & wrapp$ c>efully
 9 a /rip ( oil$ pap] dur+ ! re/ ( !    
week4 ,"o day ,i _h a *ance to look at  
?is book :ile its own] 0 away aft] spr+ 
wat]4 ,e alt]nate page 0 9 ! phonetic   
,indian symbols1 ( :i* m h]eaft]4 ,! re/
 0 9 ,fr5*1 & evid5tly a translation4   
,al?\gh ! volume 0 ( ,roman ,ca?olic    
orig91 cre$ 0 conspicu\sly subord9at$ to
 ! ne$s ( ! class x aim$ to rea*4 ,a    
confession ( fai?1 q simple1 9 "o ,god1 
a ,savi\r1 a ,"m ( ,heav52 a numb] (    
,biblical extracts ri* 9 imag]y &       
applicability to ! exp]i5ce ( a         
woods-dwell]2 a doz5 simple pray]s ( !  
k9d ! natural man w\ld (t5e/ f9d        
occasion to express--a pray] = sickness1
 = b\nty1 = fair wea!r1 = ease ( travel1
 = ! smil+ face ( ,provid5ce2 & !n "s   
hymns4 ,to me ! selection seem$ mo/     
judici\s4 ,x answ]$ ! ne$s (            
,tawab9isy's habitual exp]i5ces1 & s !  
r$ man 0 a good & consi/5t conv]t4      

,irresi/ibly ,i 0 l$ to contemplate !   
idea ( any "o try+ to get ,tawab9isy to 
live 9 a h\se1 to cut cordwood ) an axe1
 to roo/ on a h>d b5* "u a t9 /eeple1 to
 we> /iff %oes1 & to quit =e/ roam+4  ,!
 writt5 language m5tion$ above y w see  
(t5 9 ! ,nor?l&4 ,:5ev] an ,indian b&   
camps1 x blazes a tree & leaves1 z      
record = ^? :o may foll[1 a message     
writt5 9 ! phonetic "*4 ,i d n und]/&   
exactly ! philosophy ( x1 b ,i ga!r t   
ea* s\nd has a symbol ( its own1 l      
%or?&1 & t !re=e ev5 totally diff]5t    
languages--su* z ,ojibway1 ! ,wood      
,cree1 or ! ,hudson ,bay ,eskimos--may  
all be writt5 9 ! same "*4 ,x 0 inv5t$  
ne>ly a hundr$ ye>s ago by a prie/4 ,s  
simple is x1 & s ne$$ a me?od (         
int]communication1 t its use is n[      
practically univ]sal4 ,ev5 ! y\ng/]s    
und]/& x1 = !y are e>ly in/ruct$ 9 its  
my/]ies dur+ ! long w9t] ev5+s4 ,on !   
prec$+ page is a message ,i copi$ f a   
spruce tree two hundr$ miles f any:]e on
 ! ,mattgami ,riv]4  ,illu/ration       

,besides ?is are numb]less =mal symbols 
9 con/ant use4 ,=]unn]s on a trail /ick 
a twig 9 ! gr\nd ^: po9t indicates      
exactly ! position ( ! sun4 ,^? :o foll[
 are able to e/imate1 by not+ h[ f>     
beyond ! spot ! twig po9ts to ! sun has 
travell$1 h[ long a p]iod ( "t has      
elaps$4 ,a /ick po9t$ 9 any giv5        
direction tells ! r\te1 ( c\rse4 ,ano!r 
plant$ upright across ! fir/ %[s by its 
position h[ long a j\rney is            
contemplat$4 ,a little sack susp5d$ at !
 end ( ! po9t] conveys in=mation z to ! 
/ate ( ! l>d]1 lean or fat accord+ z !  
little sack conta9s m or less gravel or 
s&4 ,a %r$ ( rabbit-sk9 means />vation4 
,& s on 9 v>iety useless 9 any b an     
e?nological "w4  ,illu/ration #a3 ,a    
%ort j\rney4  ,illu/ration #b3 ,a m$ium 
j\rney4  ,illu/ration #c3 ,a long       
j\rney4  ,! ,ojibways' tongue is s(t1 & 
full ( decid$ lisp+ & su/a9$ hiss+      
s\nds4 ,x is spok5 ) some:at ( a s+-song
 drawl4 ,we always _h a fancy t someh[ x
 0 ( =e/ gr[?1 & t its syllables 7      

int5d$ 9 ! s*eme ( ?+s to bl5d ) ! woods
 noises1 j z ! fea!rs ( ! "m p>tridge   
bl5d ) ! woods col\rs4 ,9 g5]al x is    
polysyllabic4 ,t applies especially to  
concepts borr[$ ( ! :ite m54 ,on ! o!r  
h&1 ! ,ojibways describe 9 monosyllables
 _m ideas we c\ld express only 9 phrase4
 ,!y h a s+le ^w = ! notion1            
,place-:]e-an-animal-slept-la/-night4   
,our lair1 =m1 etc41 d n mean exactly t4
 ,its g5ius1 moreov]1 incl9es to a      
flexible v]b-=m1 by :i* adjectives &    
sub/antives are (t5 absorb$ into ! v]b  
itself1 s t "o beautiful s++ ^w w convey
 a :ole p>agraph ( in=mation4 ,my little
 k ( x is s entirely empirical t x c    
possess small value4  ,9 conclud+ ^!    
desultory rem>ks1 ,i want to tell y ( a 
v curi\s survival among ! ,ojibways &   
,ottawas ( ! ,georgian ,bay4 ,x seems t 
"s hundr$s ( ye>s ago ^! ord9>ily       
peaceful folk desc5d$ on ! ,iroquois 9  
:at is n[ ,new ,york1 & massacr$ a      
village or s4 ,!n1 l small boys :o h    
?r[n only too accurately at ! deliv]y   

wagon1 !y scuttl$ back home aga94  ,s9ce
 t "t !y h liv$ 9 deadly fe> (          
retribution4 ,! ,iroquois h long s9ce   
disappe>$ f ! face ( ! e>?1 b ev5 to-day
 ! ,georgian ,bay ,indians are subject  
to p]iodical spasms ( t]ror4 ,"s        
wild-ey$ & imag9ative y\? sees at sunset
 a canoe f> d[n ! horizon4 ,imm$iately !
 villages are ab&on$ 9 ha/e1 & ! entire 
community moves up to ! head-wat]s (    
/reams1 !re to lurk until conv9c$ t all 
dang] is pa/4 ,x does no good to tell ^!
 b5ight$ savages t !y are safe f        
v5geance1 at lea/ 9 ?is _w4 ,! dread$ "n
 ( ,iroquois is pot5t1 ev5 across !     
c5turies4     ,,xvii4  ,,! ,,cat*+ ,,(  
,a ,,c]ta9 ,,fi%4   ,we settl$ d[n      
peacefully on ! ,riv]1 & ! wea!r1 aft] s
 mu* enmity1 0 k9d to u4 ,likewise did !
 flies disappe> f ! woods utt]ly4  ,ea* 
morn+ we arose z ! ,r$ ,gods will$2     
g5]ally e>ly1 :5 ! sun 0 j gild+ ! peaks
 to ! we/w>d2 b n too e>ly1 be=e ! :ite 
veil _h left ! ,riv]4 ,billy1 )         
woodsman's contempt = economy1 hew$     

great logs & burn$ !m nobly 9 ! cook+ ( 
tr\t1 oatmeal1 pancakes1 & ! l4 ,we _h  
con/ruct$ ourselves tables & b5*es      
betwe5 gre5 trees1 & !re we ate4 ,&     
great 0 ! eat+ beyond ! (ficial capacity
 ( ! human /oma*4 ,!re (f]$ little ?+s  
to d1 delici\s little ?+s j on ! hi!r   
side ( idl5ess4 ,a rod wrapp+ ne$$ m    
wax$ silk2 a fav\rite fly requir$       
att5tion to prev5t dissolution2 ! pi/ol 
0 to be clean$2 a flag-pole seem$       
desirable2 a trifle m ( balsam c\ld d no
 h>m2 clo!s might /& dry+1 blankets     
air+4 ,we accompli%$ ^! ?+s leisurely1  
paus+ = ! tell+ ( /ories1 = ! puff+ (   
pipes1 = ! %e] joy ( contemplations4    
,de]sk9 slipp] moccas9s & flapp+ tr\s]s 
atte/$ our de%abille4 ,& !n someh[ x 0  
noon1 & ,billy aga9 at ! ,dut* ov5 & !  
broil]4  ,tr\t we ate1 & always m tr\t4 
,big fell[s broil$ ) /rips ( bacon      
craftily sewn 9 & out ( ! p9k fle%2     
m$ium fell[s cut into /eaks2 little     
fell[s fri$ crisp 9 corn-meal2 big1     
m$ium1 & little fell[s m+l$ 9 compon5t (

 ! fam\s ,nor? ,c\ntry b\illon1 ^: o!r  
+r$i5ts are p>tridges1 & tomatoes1 &    
potatoes1 & onions1 & salt pork1 & fl\r 
9 comb9ation delici\s beyond belief4    
,nor ev] did we tire ( !m1 ?ree times a 
day1 pr9t$ /atem5t to ! contr>y not)/&+4
 ,& besides 7 _m crafty di%es ov] ^:    
con/ruction ! major portion ( morn+     
idl5ess 0 sp5t4  ,n[ at two o'clock we  
groan$ tempor>y little groans2 & crawl$ 
%r9k+ into our riv] clo!s1 :i* we d>$ n 
hang too ne> ! fire = fe> ( !           
dis9tegrat+ scor*1 & drew on soggy      
hobnail$ %oes ) holes cut 9 ! bottom &  
plung$ ) h[ls ( disgu/ into ! upp]      
riffles4 ,!n ! cauti\s leg-/raddl$      
passage ( ! swift curr5t1 dur+ :i* we   
=got = ev]--:i* et]nity alone circles ! 
bliss ( an aft]noon on ! ,riv]--! *ill (
 ! wat]1 & s came to ! trail4  ,n[1 at !
 ,idiot's ,delight ,dick & ,i p>t$      
company4 ,by ?ree o'clock ,i came aga9  
to ! ,riv]1 f> up1 halfway to ! ,big    
,falls4 ,deuce wat*$ me gravely4 ,) !   
fir/ click ( ! reel he retir$ to ! bru% 

away f ! back ca/1 !re to rema9 until ! 
pool 0 fi%$ & we c\ld cont9ue our       
j\rney4  ,9 ! swift leap+ wat]1 at !    
smoo? back ( ! eddy1 9 ! :ite foam1 "u !
 d>k cliff %ad[1 "h1 !re1 ev]y:]e !     
bright flies drop s(tly l /range        
sn[flakes4 ,! game is z int]e/+ z       
pi/ol-%oot+4 ,to hit ! m>k1 t is en\gh4 
,& !n a swirl ( wat] & a broad lazy tail
 wake y to ! fact t o!r matt]s are y\rs4
 ,v]ily ! fi% ( ! ,nor? ,c\ntry are     
mighty beyond all o!rs4  ,ov] ! ,riv]   
re/s ! %e5 ( light2 ov] ! hills re/s !  
%e5 ( romance4 ,! l& is en*ant$4 ,birds 
dip & sway1 advance & retreat2 leaves   
toss _! h&s 9 greet+1 or b5d & :isp] "o 
to ! o!r2 spla%es ( sun fall heavy z    
metal ?r\gh ! yield+ scre5s ( bran*es2  
little breezes w&] hesitat+ly "h & !re  
to s9k l sp5t kites on ! ne>e/ b> (     
sun-w>m$ %+le2 ! /ream %\ts & gurgles1  
murmurs1 hu%es1 lies /ill & secret z    
?\gh to w>n y to discretion1 breaks away
 ) a %riek ( hil>ity :5 y\r discretion  
has be5 assur$4 ,!re is 9 y a great     

leisure1 z ?\gh ! day w\ld nev] end4    
,!re is 9 y a great ke5ness4 ,"o "p ( y 
is vibrantly alive4 ,y\r wri/ muscles   
contract almo/ automatically at ! swirl 
( a rise1 & ! hum ( life along ! gossam]
 ( y\r l9e ga9s its communication ) e   
n]ve 9 y\r body4 ,! "q ( ge> & me?od y  
attack cle>-m9d$4 ,:at fly8 ,montreal1  
,p>ma*5ee ,belle1 ,royal ,coa*man1      
,silv] ,doctor1 ,pr(essor1 ,br[n        
,hackle1 ,c[-dung--^! gr& lures = !     
,nor? ,c\ntry tr\t receive ea* its due  
te/ & att5tion4 ,& on ! tail snell :at  
fi%]man has n ! ,gamble--! unusual1     
obscure1 mult9am$ fly :i* may1 9 !      
occultism ( 8 ta/e1 attract ! ,big      
,fell[s8 ,besides1 !re rema9s always !  
h&l+4 ,does y\r tr\t to-day fancy !     
skitt]+ ( 8 food1 or ! )drawal 9 ?ree   
j]ks1 or ! in*-deep s9k+ ( ! fly8 ,does 
he want x across curr5t or up curr5t2 w 
he rise ) a snap1 or is he go+ to come  
sl[ly1 or is he go+ to play8 ,^! be     
problems int]e/+1 insi/5t to be solv$1 )
 ! ready te/ )9 ! rea* ( y\r skill4  ,b 

t al]tness is only "o side ( y\r mood4  
,no matt] h[ difficult ! selection1 h[  
/r5u\s ! fight1 !re is 9 y a l>ge feel+ 
t might almo/ be describ$ z ,buddhi/ic4 
,"t has no?+ to d ) y\r problems4 ,! _w 
has quietly run d[n1 & has be5 embalm$ )
 all its sweetness ( light & col\r &    
s\nd 9 a w>m ,le! ba? ( sun4 ,?is       
aft]noon is go+ to la/ = ev]4 ,y note & 
enjoy & sav\r ! little pleasures        
unhurri$ by ! ?\ght t any?+ else1 :e!r (
 pleasure or duty1 is to foll[4  ,& s = 
long delici\s eons4 ,! ,riv] fl[s on1   
ev] on2 ! hills wat*1 wat* always2 !    
birds s+1 ! sun %9es grateful across y\r
 %\ld]s2 ! big tr\t & ! little rise 9   
pr$e/9$ ord]1 & make _! pr$e/9$ fight1 &
 g _! pr$e/9$ way ei!r to lib]ty or !   
creel2 ! pools & ! rapids & ! riffles   
slip by up/ream z ?\gh !y _h be5 )drawn 
r ?an z ?\gh y _h advanc$4  ,!n sudd5ly 
! day has dropp$ its w+s4 ,! e>? moves  
=w>d ) a j>4 ,?+s are to be accompli%$2 
?+s are be+ accompli%$4 ,! ,riv] is     
hurry+ d[n to ! ,lake2 ! birds h bus9ess

 ( _! own to att5d to1 an x please y2 ! 
hills are wait+ = some?+ t has n yet    
happ5$1 b !y are ready4 ,/>tl$1 y look  
up4 ,! aft]noon has f9i%$4 ,y\r la/ /ep 
has tak5 y ov] ! edge ( ! %ad[ ca/ by ! 
sett+ sun across ! range ( hills4  ,= ! 
fir/ "t y look ab\t y to see :]e y are4 
,x has n matt]$ be=e4 ,n[ y "k t %ortly 
x w be d>k4 ,/ill rema9 bel[ y f\r      
pools4 ,a great ha/e seizes y4  ,if ,i  
take my rod ap>t & /rike ?r\gh ! woods1 
y argue1 ,i c make ! ,n>r[s1 & ,i am    
sure !re is a big tr\t !re4  ,:y !      
,n>r[s %\ld be any m likely to conta9 a 
big tr\t ?an any ( ! o!r ?ree pools y   
w\ld n be able to expla94 ,9 half an h\r
 x w be d>k4 ,y hurry4 ,9 ! =e/ x is    
already twilight1 b by n[ y "k ! =e/    
well4 ,preoccupi$1 fev]i% ) y\r great   
idea1 y ha/5 on4 ,! birds1 sil5t all 9 !
 brood+ ( night1 rise gho/ly to "r &    
left4 ,%ad[s /eal away l ho/ile spies   
among ! treetrunks4 ,! silv] ( la/      
daylight gleams ahead ( y ?r\gh ! bru%4 
,y "k x = ! ,n>r[s1 :i!r ! in/9ct ( y\r 

eag]ness has l$ y z accurately z a      
compass ?r\gh ! =e/4  ,f]v5tly1 z ?\gh  
?is 7 ( _w's affairs ! mo/ important1 y 
congratulate y\rself on be+ 9 "t4 ,y\r  
rod seems to jo9 itself4 ,9 a mom5t !   
ca/ drops l a brea? on ! molt5 silv]4   
,no?+4 ,ano!r try a trifle l[] d[n4     
,no?+4 ,a little w&]+ breeze spoils y\r 
f\r? attempt1 c>ry+ ! lead] f> to !     
left4 ,curses1 deep & f]v5t4 ,! daylight
 is fad+1 dra9+ away4 ,a fif? ca/ falls 
=ty feet out4 ,sl[ly y drag ! flies     
across ! curr5t1 reluctant to recov]    
until ! late/ possible mom5t4 ,& s1 :5  
y\r rod is fooli%ly upright1 y\r l9e    
slack1 & y\r flies motionless1 !re rolls
 sl[ly up & ov] ! tr\t ( tr\ts4 ,y see a
 broad side1 ! :irl ( a fantail t looks 
to y to be at lea/ six in*es across2 & !
 curr5t slides on1 silv]-l1 smoo?1      
indiff]5t to ! wild leap ( y\r he>t4    
,illu/ration3 ,,!n ,,9 ,,! ,,twilight   
,,!y ,,ba!4  ,l a crazy man y %ort5 y\r 
l9e4 ,six seconds lat] y\r flies fall   
skilfully j up/ream f :]e la/ y saw t   

wond]ful tail4  ,b six seconds may be a 
long1 long p]iod ( "t4 ,y h fe>$ & hop$ 
& speculat$ & realiz$2 fe>$ t ! levia?an
 has prick$ himself1 & s w n rise aga92 
hop$ t 8 appe>ance m]ely indicat$       
curiosity :i* he w desire fur!r to      
satisfy2 speculat$ on :e!r y\r skill c  
drop ! fly exactly on t spot1 z x mu/ be
 dropp$2 & realiz$ t1 :atev] be ! tru? z
 to all ^? fe>s & hopes & speculations1 
?is is irrevocably y\r la/ *ance4  ,= an
 in/ant y all[ ! flies to drift         
d[n/ream1 to be float$ "h & !re by idle 
little eddies1 to be suck$ d[n & spat   
out ( t9y suction-holes4 ,!n cauti\sly y
 draw !m across ! surface ( ! wat]s4    
,?ump--?ump--?ump--y\r he>t sl[s up )   
disappo9tm5t4 ,!n my/]i\sly1 l ! /irr+ (
 ! wat]s by "s invisible h&1 ! molt5    
silv] is brok5 9 its smoo?ness4 ,!      
,royal ,coa*man quietly disappe>s4 ,)   
all ! brakes %riek+ on y\r desire to %ut
 y\r eyes & heave a mighty heave1 y     
depress y\r butt & /rike4  ,!n 9 !      
twilight ! battle4 ,no leisure is "h1   

only quiv]+1 int5se1 agoniz$ anxiety4 ,!
 affair transc5ds ! mom5t4 ,purposes &  
necessities ( untold ages h conc5trat$1 
s t someh[ back ( y\r consci\sness re/  
ho/s ( disembodi$ hopes1 t5d5cies1      
evolution>y progressions1 all brea?less 
le/ y prove unequal to ! /ruggle = :i*  
!y h be5 s long prep>+4                 
,responsibility--va/1 vague1 =mless--is 
y\rs4 ,only ! fact t y are :olly occupi$
 ) ! exig5ce ( ! mom5t prev5ts y\r      
und]/&+ ( :at x is1 b x hov]s d>k &     
depress+ beh9d y\r possible failure4 ,y 
mu/ w94 ,?is is no fi%2 x is opportunity
 itself1 & once gone x w nev] return4 ,!
 my/icism ( l[] dusk 9 ! =e/1 ( upp]    
aft]gl[ on ! hills1 ( ! *ill ( ev5+     
wat]s & w9ds1 ( ! gl9t ( /range phantoms
 "u ! d>kness ( cliffs1 ( ! :isp]+s &   
%\t+s ( ,?+s y are too busy to id5tify  
out 9 ! gray ( ,nor? ,c\ntry awe--all ^!
 m5ace y ) indet]m9ate dread4           
,knee-deep1 wai/-deep1 swift wat]1 slack
 wat]1 d[n/ream1 up/ream1 ) r$ eyes     
/ra9+ into ! dimness1 ) e muscle taut & 

e n]ve quiv]+1 y foll[ ! ripp+ ( y\r    
l9e4 ,y h consecrat$ y\rself to !       
utt]mo/4 ,! m9utes /alk by y gigantic4  
,y are a /able p9-po9t 9 :irl+          
phantasms4 ,& y are v little1 v small1 v
 inadequate among ^! ,titans (          
circum/ance4  ,?rice he breaks wat]1 a  
:ite & gho/ly app>ition f ! deep4 ,y\r  
he>t /ops ) y\r reel1 & only resumes its
 (fice :5 aga9 ! l9e s+s safely4 ,!     
d>kness falls1 & ) x1 l ! my/]i\s /r5g? 
( ,sir ,g>e?'s oppon5t1 falls ! p[] (   
y\r adv]s>y4 ,8 ru%es %ort54 ,! bl[n _w 
( y\r unc]ta9ty %r9ks to ! normal4 ,f ! 
haze ( y\r consci\sness1 z ?r\gh a fog1 
loom ! old famili> =e/1 & ! hills1 & !  
,riv]4 ,sl[ly y creep f t /range en*ant$
 l&4 ,! sull5 tr\t yields4 ,9 all       
g5tl5ess y float him )9 rea* ( y\r net4 
,quietly1 brea?lessly y walk a%ore1 &   
ov] ! bea*1 & yet an unnecess>y hundr$  
feet f ! wat] le/ he reta9 /ill a flop4 
,!n y lay him ^u ! /ones & lift up y\r  
he>t 9 rejoic+4  ,h[ y get to camp y    
nev] cle>ly "k4 ,exultation lifts y\r   

feet4 ,w+s1 w+s1 ,o ye ,r$ ,gods1 w+s to
 c>ry ! body :i!r ! _s ha? already so>$1
 & /oop$1 & circl$ back 9 impati5ce to  
see :y /ill ! body l+]s6 ,ord9>ily y c  
cross ! riffles above ! ,halfway ,pool  
only ) caution & pray] & a /\t /aff     
craftily employ$4 ,?is night y c--&     
d--spla% across h&-free1 z recklessly z 
y w\ld wade a little brook4 ,!re is no  
/umble 9 y1 = y h done a great de$1 & ! 
,r$ ,gods are smil+4  ,?r\gh ! trees    
gl[s a light1 & 9 ! c5tre ( t light are 
leap+ flames1 & 9 ! circle ( t light /&1
 r\gh-hewn 9 orange1 ! t5t & ! table & !
 wait+ figures ( y\r companions4 ,y /op 
%ort1 & swall[ h>d1 & saunt] into camp z
 "o indiff]5t4  ,c>elessly y toss aside 
y\r creel--into ! d>ke/ corn]1 z ?\gh x 
7 unimportant--non*alantly y lean y\r   
rod aga9/ ! slant ( y\r t5t1 we>ily y   
seat y\rself & beg9 to draw (f y\r dr5*$
 g>m5ts4 ,billy b5ds t[>d ! fire4 ,dick 
gets y y\r dry clo!s4 ,nobody says      
any?+1 = ev]ybody is hungry4 ,no "o asks
 y any que/ions1 = on ! ,riv] y get 9   

almo/ any "t ( night4  ,f9ally1 z y are 
hang+ y\r wet ?+s ne> ! fire1 y inquire 
casually ov] y\r %\ld]1--  ,dick1 h any 
luck8  ,dick tells y4 ,y li/5 ) app>5t  
int]e/4 ,he has caught a ?ree-p\nd]4 ,he
 describes ! spot & ! me?od & ! /ruggle4
 ,he is v mu* pleas$4 ,y pity him4  ,!  
?ree ( y eat supp]1 lots ( supp]4 ,billy
 arises fir/1 fill+ 8 pipe4 ,he hangs   
wat] ov] ! fire = ! di%-wa%+4 ,y & ,dick
 sit hun*$ on a log1 blissfully happy 9 
! mom5ts ( dige/ion1 rum9ative1 wat*+ ! 
blaze4 ,! tobacco smoke eddies & sucks  
upw>d to jo9 ! wood smoke4 ,billy moves 
"h & !re 9 ! fulfilm5t ( 8 simple tasks1
 ca/+ 8 %ad[ wav]+ & gigantic aga9/ !   
fire-lit trees4 ,by-&-by he has f9i%$4  
,he ga!rs up ! /raps ( ,dick's creel1 & 
turns to ! %ad[ = y\r own4 ,he is go+ to
 clean ! fi%4 ,x is ! mom5t y h wat*$ =4
 ,y %r\d y\rself 9 pr(\nd indiff]5ce4   
,sacr6 %rieks ,billy4  ,y d n ev5 turn  
y\r head4  ,jump+ giraffes6 :y1 x's a   
:ale6 cries ,dick4  ,y roll a blas eye 9
 _! direction1 z ?\gh su* pu]ile        

en?usiasm we>ies y4  ,yes1 x's q a      
little fi%1 y conc$e4  ,!y sw>m d[n ^u  
y1 dem&+ p>ticul>s4 ,^! y accord        
laconically1 a ^w at a "t1 9 answ] to   
direct "q1 betwe5 puffs ( smoke4  ,at ! 
,n>r[s4 ,royal ,coa*man4 ,j be=e ,i came
 94 ,pretty fair fight4 ,j at ! edge ( !
 eddy4 ,& s on4 ,b y\r s\l glories4  ,! 
tape-l9e is br\ght out4 ,tw5ty-n9e in*es
 x records4 ,holy smoke1 :at a fi%6 ,y\r
 air implies t y w probably cat* ?ree m 
j l him on ! morr[4 ,dick & ,billy make 
trac+s ( him on ! bir* b>k4 ,y reta9 y\r
 l(ty calm3 b inside y are little quiv]s
 ( rapture4 ,& :5 y awake1 late 9 !     
night1 y are consci\s1 fir/ ( all1 t y  
are happy1 happy1 happy1 all ?r\gh2 &   
only :5 ! dr[se dra9s away d y rememb]  
:y4     ,,xviii4  ,,man ,,:o ,,walks    
,,by ,,moonlight4   ,we _h be5 jo9$ on !
 ,riv] by fri5ds4 ,d\g1 :o nev] fi%$ m  
?an =ty rods f camp1 & 0 always inv5t+  
wat]-gauges1 pat5t indicators1 & o!r    
?+s1 & :o wore 9 8 s(t sl\* hat s _m    
brilliant tr\t flies t he irresi/ibly   

rem9d$ y ( fl[]-deck$ ,ophelia2 ,d9nis1 
:o 0 l>ge & good-natur$1 & bubbl+ &     
popul>2 ,johnny1 ^: wide eyes look$ = ! 
fir/ "t on ! woods-life1 & ^: awe-/ruck 
s\l conceal$ itself beh9d assumptions2  
,jim1 six feet tall & ?ree feet broad1 )
 :om ! season be=e ,i _h p5etrat$ to    
,hudson ,bay2 & f9ally1 ,doc1 tall1     
granite1 exp]i5c$1 ! be/ fi%]man t ev]  
hit ! riv]4 ,) ^! 7 ,indians4 ,buck%ot1 
a little ,indian ) a good k ( ,engli%2  
,johnnie ,*alln1 a half-bre$ ,indian1   
ugly1 furtive1 an effici5t man ab\t     
camp2 & ,tawab9isy himself4 ,?is 0 an   
hon\r due to ! pres5ce ( ,doc4          
,tawab9isy approv$ ( ,doc4 ,t 0 all !re 
0 to say ab\t x4  ,aft] a few days1     
inevitably ! "q ( ,kawgama came up4     
,billy1 ,johnnie ,*alln1 & ,buck%ot     
squatt$ 9 a semi-circle1 & drew diagrams
 9 ! s(t dirt ) a /ick4 ,tawab9isy sat  
on a log & ov]look$ ! proce$+s4 ,f9ally 
he spoke4  ,tawab9isy 7!y always gave   
him 8 full title2 we call$ him ,tawb7   
tell me lake y f9d he no ,kawgama1      

translat$ ,buck%ot4 ,he call$ ,black    
,beav] ,lake4  ,ask him if he'll take u 
to ,kawgama1 ,i reque/$4  ,tawab9isy    
look$ v d\btful4  ,come on1 ,tawb1 urg$ 
,doc1 nodd+ at him vigor\sly4 ,don't be 
a clam4 ,we won't take anybody else up  
!re4  ,! ,indian probably did n         
compreh5d ! words1 b he lik$ ,doc4      
,a'-"r1 he pron\nc$ labori\sly4         
,buck%ot expla9$ to u 8 plans4          
,tawab9isy tell me1 said he1 he don' be5
 to ,kawgama sev5 ye>4 ,to-morr[ he g   
blaze trail4 ,nex' day we g4  ,h[ w\ld x
 be if "o or two ( u w5t ) him to-morr[ 
to see h[ he does x8 ask$ ,jim4         
,buck%ot look$ at u /rangely4  ,i don't 
want to foll[ him1 he repli$1 ) a       
significant simplicity4 ,he run l a de]4
  ,buck%ot1 said ,i1 pursu+ ! inevitable
 l+ui/ics1 :at does ,kawgama mean8      
,buck%ot ?\ght = q two m9utes4 ,!n he   
drew a semicircle4  ,w'at y call dat8 he
 ask$4  ,cresc5t1 l moon8 half-circle8  
horse%oe8 b[8 we propos$4  ,buck%ot %ook
 8 head at ea* sugge/ion4 ,he made a    

wriggl+ m>k1 !n a wide sweep1 !n a loop4
  ,all dose1 said he1 w'at y call him8  
,curve6 we cri$4  h hah1 ass5t$         
,buck%ot1 satisfi$4  ,buck%ot1 we w5t   
on1 :at does ,tawab9isy mean8           
,man-:o-travels-by-moonlight1 he repli$ 
promptly4  ,! foll[+ morn+ ,tawab9isy   
dep>t$1 c>ry+ a lun* & a h&-axe4 ,at f\r
 o'clock he 0 back1 sitt+ on a log &    
smok+ a pipe4 ,9 ! meantime we _h made  
up our p>ty4  ,tawab9isy himself _h     
decid$ t ! two half-bre$s mu/ /ay at    
home4 ,he wi%$ to %>e 8 secret only ) 8 
own tribesm54 ,! fiat griev$ ,billy1 =  
behold he _h already put 9 mu* "t on ?is
 v se>*1 & naturally desir$ to be 9 at !
 f9i%4 ,dick1 too1 want$ to g1 b him we 
decid$ too "y & light = a fa/ m>*4      
,d9nis _h to leave ! ,riv] 9 a day or s2
 ,johnnie 0 a little d\btful z to !     
tramp1 al?\gh he conceal$ 8 d\bt--at    
lea/ to 8 own satisfaction--"u a v>iety 
( excuses4 ,jim & ,doc w\ld g1 ( c\rse4 
,!re rema9$ ,d\g4  ,we f\nd t individual
 erect+ a rack ( _m project+ arms--l a  

,greek w>rior's trophy--at ! precise    
spot :]e ! fir/ rays ( ! morn+ sun w\ld 
/rike x4 ,on ! project+ arms he purpos$ 
hang+ 8 wet clo!s4  ,d\g1 said we1 d y  
want to g to ,kawgama to-morr[8  ,d\g   
turn$ on u a s>donic eye4 ,he made no   
direct answ]1 b told ! foll[+ /ory3--   
,once ^u a "t ,judge ,c>t] 0 rid+ ?r\gh 
a rural di/rict 9 ,virg9ia4 ,he /opp$ at
 a negro's cab9 to get 8 direction4     
',uncle1' said he1 'c y direct me to    
,colonel ,?ompson's8'  ',yes1 sah1'     
repli$ ! negro2 'yo' goes d[n ?is yah   
road 'b\t two mile till yo' comes to an 
ol' ailm tree1 & !n yo' tu'u %a'p to ?' 
"r d[n a lane fo' 'b\t a qua't] ( a     
mile4 ,?ah y sees a big :ite h\se4 ,yo' 
wants to g ?r\gh ?' ya'd1 to a paf t    
takes y a spell to a gate4 ,yo' foll[s t
 road to ?' lef till yo' comes to ?ree  
roads go9' up a hill2 &1 j$ge1 x don'   
mattah :i* "o ( !m ?ah roads yo' take1  
yo' gets lo/ sur] 'n hell anyway6'  ,!n 
,d\g turn$ placidly back to !           
con/ruction ( 8 trophy4  ,we int]pret$  

?is z an answ]1 & made up an outfit =   
five4  ,! foll[+ morn+ at six o'clock we
 7 "u way4 ,johnnie ,*alln f]ri$ u      
across ! riv] 9 two in/alm5ts4 ,we wav$ 
our h&s & plung$ ?r\gh ! bru% scre54    
,!nce=? x 0 walk half an h\r1 re/ five  
m9utes1 ) almo/ ! regul>ity ( clockwork4
 ,we tim$ ! ,indians secretly1 & f\nd !y
 v>i$ by h>dly a m9ute f absolute       
fidelity to ?is s*$ule4 ,we _h at fir/1 
( c\rse1 to ga9 ! high] level ( ! hills1
 b ,tawab9isy _h ! day be=e pick$ out a 
r\te t m\nt$ z easily z ! c\ntry w\ld   
all[1 & ?r\gh a h>dwood =e/ free (      
und]bru%4 ,briefly indicat$1 our way l$ 
fir/ ?r\gh ! big trees & up ! hills1 !n 
beh9d a great cliff knob into a creek   
valley1 ?r\gh a qu>t]-mile ( bottom-l&  
?icket1 !n by an op5 /rip to ! fir/     
little lake4 ,?is we f]ri$ by means ( ! 
b>k canoe c>ri$ on ! %\ld]s (           
,tawab9isy4  ,9 ! c\rse ( ! morn+ we ?us
 pass$ f\r lakes4 ,?r\gh\t ! entire     
di/ance to ,kawgama 7 ! fre% axe-blazes 
! ,indian _h made ! day be=e4 ,^! 7     

nei!r s frequ5t nor z pla9ly cut z a    
:ite man's trail1 b ea* repres5t$ a     
pause long en\gh = ! clip ( an axe4 ,9  
addition ! trail _h be5 made passable = 
a canoe4 ,t meant ! cutt+ out ( ov]hang+
 bran*es :]ev] !y might cat* ! b[ ( !   
craft4 ,9 ! ?icket a little road _h be5 
cle>$1 & ! bru% _h be5 pil$ on ei!r     
side4 ,to an unaccu/om$ eye x seem$ ! "w
 ( two days at lea/4 ,yet ,tawab9isy _h 
pick$ out 8 r\te1 cle>$ & m>k$ x ?us1   
skirt$ ! %ores ( ! lakes we 7 able to   
trav]se 9 ! canoe1 & _h return$ to !    
,riv] 9 less "t ?an we consum$ 9 m]ely  
rea*+ ! ,lake itself6 ,truly1 z ,buck%ot
 said1 he mu/ h run l a de]4  ,tawab9isy
 has a delightful gr9 :i* he displays :5
 pleas$ or good-hum\r$ or puzzl$ or     
int]e/$ or compreh5d+1 j z a dog sneezes
 & wr9kles up 8 nose 9 l case4 ,he is   
ess5tially k9d-he>t$4 ,if he likes y &  
approves ( y1 he tries to tea* y1 to    
help y1 to %[ y ?+s4 ,b he nev] (f]s to 
d any "p ( y\r "w1 & on ! m>* he nev]   
looks back to see if y are keep+ up4 ,y 

c %\t at him until y are black 9 ! face1
 b nev] w he pause until re/-"t4 ,!n he 
squats on 8 heels1 lights 8 pipe1 &     
gr9s4  ,buck%ot ador$ him4 ,?is         
opportunity ( travell+ ) him 0 an epo*4 
,he drank 9 eag]ly ! brief rem>ks ( 8   
old man1 & detail$ !m to u ) solemnity1 
prefac$ always by 8 ,tawab9isy tell me4 
,buck%ot is ( ! bett] class ( ,indian   
himself1 b occasionally he is puzzl$ by 
! woods-noises4 ,tawab9isy nev]4 ,z we  
cook$ lun*1 we he>d ! s\nd ( /eady      
foot/eps 9 ! =e/--pat2 !n a pause2 !n   
pat2 j l a de] br[s+4 ,to make sure ,i  
inquir$ ( ,buck%ot4  ,:at is x8         
,buck%ot li/5$ a mom5t4  ,de]1 said he  
decisively2 !n1 n because he d\bt$ 8 own
 judgm5t1 b f habitual def]5ce1 he turn$
 to :]e ,tawab9isy 0 fry+ ?+s4  ,qwaw8  
he inquir$4  ,tawab9isy nev] ev5 look$  
up4  ,adj-domo 7squirrel71 said he4  ,we
 look$ at ea* o!r incr$ul\sly4 ,x s\nd$ 
l a de]4 ,x did n s\nd 9 ! lea/ l a     
squirrel4 ,an exp]i5c$ ,indian _h       
pron\nc$ x a de]4 ,nev]!less x 0 a      

squirrel4  ,we approa*$ ,kawgama by way 
( a gradual slope clo!d ) a beautiful   
bee* & maple =e/ ^: trees 7 ! talle/ (  
^? species ,i h ev] se54 ,t5 m9utes     
br\ght u to ! %ore4 ,!re 0 no abrupt    
bur/+ 9 on ,kawgama ?r\gh scre5s (      
leaves2 we ent]$ leisurely to h] pres5ce
 by way ( an ante-*amb] ^: spaci\sness  
p]mitt$ no vulg> surprises4 ,aft] a "t  
we laun*$ our canoe f a natural dock    
af=d$ by a c$> root1 & s /ood ready to  
cross to our p]man5t camp4 ,b fir/ we   
drew our knives & eras$ f a giant bir* !
 half-gr[n-ov] "n ( ! bank] ,clem5t4    
,!re seems to me little use 9 tell+ y t 
,kawgama is ab\t f\r miles long by a    
mile wide1 is %ap$ l a cresc5t1 & lies 9
 a valley surr\nd$ by high hills2 nor t 
its wat] is s transp>5t t ! bottom is   
visible until x fades into ! %e]        
blackness ( dep?2 nor t x is alive )    
tr\t2 nor t its sil5ce is ! sil5ce ( a  
va/ solitude1 s t always1 ev5 at        
daybreak or at high midday1 x seems to  
be late aft]noon4 ,t w\ld convey little 

to y4 ,i w in=m y q simply t ,kawgama is
 a v beautiful specim5 ( ! wild]ness    
lake2 t x is z ! ,"l made x2 & t we _h a
 good "t4  ,did y ev] fi% ) ! fly f a   
bir*-b>k canoe on absolutely /ill wat]8 
,y d n seem to move4 ,b f> bel[ y1      
glid+1 sil5t1 gho/like1 ! bottom slips  
b5ea?4 ,l a wea!r-vane 9 an imp]ceptible
 curr5t ( air1 y\r b[ turns to "r or    
left 9 app>5t ob$i5ce to ! m]e w ( y\r  
companion4 ,& ! flies drop s(tly l d[n4 
,!n ! sil5ce becomes sacr$4 ,y          
:isp]--al?\gh !re is no reason = y\r    
:isp]+2 y move cauti\sly1 le/ y\r reel  
scrape ! gunwale4 ,an inadv]t5t click ( 
! paddle is a pr(anation4 ,! only       
creatures 9 all ,god's _w possess+ ! "r 
to utt] al\d a s+le syllable are ! loon1
 f> away1 & ! w9t] wr51 ne> at h&4 ,ev5 
! tr\t fight grimly1 )\t noise1 _! :ite 
bodies fla%+ f> d[n 9 ! dimness4  ,h\r  
aft] h\r we /ole "h & !re l             
conspirators4 ,:]e %[$ ! circles ( a    
fi%'s rise1 ?i!r crept we to drop a fly 
on _! c5tre z 9 ! bull's-eye ( a t>get4 

,! tr\t seem$ to l+] ne> _! late/       
capture1 s (t5 we w\ld cat* "o exactly  
:]e we _h se5 him break wat] "s little  
"t be=e4 ,9 ?is 0 ! *>m ( ! /ill hunt4  
,%oal wat]1 deep wat]1 x seem$ all !    
same to our =tunes4 ,! lake 0 full (    
fi%1 & beautiful fi% !y 71 ) deep1 gl[+ 
bronze bellies1 & all ( f a p\nd to a   
p\nd & a half 9 weight4 ,! lake _h n be5
 fi%$4 ,probably some:]e 9 ^? black     
dep?s ov] "o ( ! bubbl+ spr+-holes t mu/
 fe$ s cold & cle> a body ( wat]1 are   
big fell[s ly+1 & probably ! crafty m9n[
 or spoon might lure !m out4 ,b we 7    
satisfi$ ) our game4  ,at o!r times we  
paddl$ "h & !re 9 exploration ( coves1  
inlets1 & a t9y little brook t fl[$     
we/w>d f a re$ m>% to jo9 ano!r riv]    
runn+ p>allel to our own4  ,! ,indians  
_h erect$ a huge lean-to ( bir* b>k1 f !
 ribs ( :i* hung clo!s & ! little bags (
 food4 ,! cook+-fire 0 made 9 front ( x 
betwe5 two giant bir* trees4 ,at ev5+ ! 
light & heat reflect$ /rongly b5ea? !   
%elt]1 leav+ ! =e/ 9 imp5etrable        

d>kness4 ,to ! v edge ( my/]y cr[d$ !   
/range woods noises1 ! e]ie influ5ces ( 
! night1 l wolves afraid ( ! blaze4 ,we 
felt !m hov]+1 vague1 huge1 dreadful1 j 
outside ! circle ( safety our fire _h   
trac$ ab\t u4 ,! *e]ful flames 7 danc+  
famili>s :o *]i%$ = u ! home feel+ 9 !  
middle ( a wild]ness4  ,two days we     
l+]$1 !n took ! back track4 ,a little   
aft] noon we arriv$ at ! camp1 empty    
save = ,johnnie ,*alln4 ,t[>ds d>k !    
fi%]m5 /raggl$ 94 ,"t _h be5 paid !m 9  
famili> co9age4 ,!y _h dem&$ only       
accu/om$ toll ( ! days1 b we _h return$ 
lad5 ) /range & glitt]+ memories4       
,,xix4  ,,apologia4   ,! "t at la/      
arriv$ = dep>ture4  ,deep lad5 7 !      
canoes2 heavy lad5 7 we4 ,! ,indians %ot
 away d[n ! curr5t4 ,we foll[$ = ! la/  
"t ! dim blaz$ trail1 =d$ = ! la/ "t !  
%all[s ( ! riv]4 ,at ! ,burn$ ,rock     
,pool we caught our lun* fi% f ! ranks (
 levia?ans4 ,!n ! trodd5 way ( ! ,fur   
,trail1 worn into a groove s deep & a   
surface s smoo? t vegetation has left x 

z b>e z ev]1 ?\gh ! ,po/ has be5 ab&on$ 
^! _m ye>s4 ,at la/ ! scrub spruce1 & ! 
s&y soil1 & ! blue1 re/less wat]s ( !   
,great ,lake4 ,) ! appe>ance ( ! fi%-tug
 e>ly ! foll[+ day ! summ] end$4  ,h[   
(t5 h ,i rum9at$ 9 ! long m>*es !       
problem ( ! ,=e/6 ,subtle %e is1 &      
my/]i\s1 & gift$ ) a *>m t lures4 ,va/  
%e is1 & dreadful1 s t man b[s be=e h]  
fi]c] moods1 a little ?+4 ,g5tle %e is1 
& k9dly1 s t %e d5ies no?+1 :e!r ( !    
mat]ial or spiritual1 to ^? ( h] *os5 :o
 w seek4 ,augu/ %e is1 & yet ( a homely1
 sprightly g5tl5ess4 ,v>iable %e is 9 h]
 _m moods4 ,night1 day1 sun1 cl\d1 ra91 
sn[1 w9d1 l5d to h] _! be/ ( w>m? &     
cold1 ( com=t & awe1 ( peace & ( _m     
%\t+s1 & %e accepts !m1 b yet rema9s    
great] & m endur+ ?an !y4 ,9 h] is all !
 sweetness ( little ?+s4 ,murmurs ( wat]
 & ( breeze1 fa9t od\rs1 w&]+ /reams (  
tepid air1 /ray bird-songs 9 fragm5t z  
:5 a door is op5$ & clos$1 ! s(tness (  
moss1 ! coolness ( %ade1 ! glimpse (    
occult affairs 9 ! woods life1 accompany

 h] z ,titania h] c\rt4 ,h[ to express  
^! ?+s2 h[ to fix on pap] 9 a record1 z 
"o w\ld describe ! ,capitol at ,wa%+ton1
 :at ! ,=e/ is--t is :at ,i h ask$      
myself (t51 & t is :at ,i h nev] yet    
f\nd out4  ,?is is ! wisdom reflection  
has taught4 ,"o _c imprison ! ocean 9 a 
vial ( sea-wat]2 "o _c imprison ! ,=e/  
inside ! cov]s ( a book4  ,!re rema9s ! 
second be/4 ,i h ?\ght t p]haps if ,i 7 
to attempt a s]ies ( deta*$ impressions1
 )\t relation1 )\t sequ5ce2 if ,i 7 to  
sugge/ a little "h ! beauty ( a         
moon-beam1 !re ! hum\r ( a ra9/orm1 at !
 la/ y might1 by d9t ( imag9ation &     
sympa?y1 get "s slight feel+ ( :at !    
great woods are4 ,x is ! me?od ( !      
pa9t]4 ,p]haps x may suffice4  ,= ?is   
reason let no old camp] look ^u ?is     
volume z a treatise on woodcraft4       
,woodcraft !re is 9 x1 j z !re is       
woodcraft 9 ! ,=e/ itself1 b mu* ( !    
simple/ & mo/ obvi\s does n appe>4 ,!   
pa9t] w\ld n depict e twig1 z w\ld !    
naturali/4  ,equally x _c be consid]$ a 

book ( travel nor ( description4 ,! /ory
 is n consecutive2 ! adv5tures n excit+2
 ! l&scape n d5n$4 ,p]haps x may be     
p]mitt$ to call x a book ( sugge/ion4   
,(t5 on ! /reet we h _h op5$ to u by !  
m]e/ sket*es ( incid5t limitless vi/as (
 memory4 ,a mom5t>y pose ( ! head ( a   
pass]-by1 a *ance ^w1 ! brea? ( a fa9t  
p]fume--^! br+ back to u ! entirety (   
=gott5 sc5es4 ,"s ( ^! essays may p]=m a
 l (fice = y4 ,i _c hope to give y !    
,=e/4 ,b p]haps a ^w or a s5t5ce1 an    
incid5t1 an impression1 may quick5 y\r  
imag9ation1 s t ?r\gh no consci\s       
direction ( my own ! wond] ( ! ,=e/ may 
fill y1 z ! m]e sight ( a con*-%ell w   
sometimes till y ) ! wond] ( ! sea4     
,,sugge/ions ,,= ,,outfit4   ,9 reply to
 inquiries z to necess>y outfit = camp+ 
& woods-travell+1 ! au?or furni%es !    
foll[+ li/s3--  #a4 ,provisions p] man1 
"o week4  #g lbs4 fl\r2 #e lbs4 pork2   
#a-e lb4 tea2 #b lbs4 beans2 #a #a-b    
lbs4 sug>2 #a #a-b lbs4 rice2 #a #a-b   
lbs4 prunes & rais9s2 #a-a-b lb4 l>d2 #a

 lb4 oatmeal2 bak+-p[d]2 mat*es2 soap2  
pepp]2 salt2 #a-c lb4 tobacco--7weight1 
a little ov] #bj lbs474 ,?is w la/ mu*  
long] if y get game & fi%4  #b4 ,pack   
"o1 or absolute necessities = h>d trip4 
,we> hat2 suit wooll5 und]we>2 %irt2    
tr\s]s2 socks2 silk h&k]*ief2 cotton    
h&k]*ief2 moccas9s4  ,c>ry sweat] 7#c   
lbs472 extra draw]s 7#a #a-b lbs472 #b  
extra pairs socks2 gloves 7bucksk972    
t[el2 #b extra pairs moccas9s2 surgeon's
 pla/]2 laxative2 pi/ol & c>tridges2    
fi%+-tackle2 blanket 7#g #a-b lbs472    
rubb] blanket 7#a lb472 t5t 7#h lbs472  
small axe 7#b #a-b lbs472 knife2        
mosquito-dope2 compass2 mat*-box2       
too?-bru%2 comb2 small :et/one--7weight1
 ab\t #be lbs472 #b t9 or alum9ium      
pails2 #a fry+-pan2 #a cup2 #a knife1   
=k1 & spoon--7weight1 #d lbs4 if (      
alum9ium74  ,:ole pack "u #ej lbs4 ,9   
case ( two or m p1 ea* pack w\ld be     
light]1 z t5t1 t9w>e1 etc41 w\ld d =    
bo?4  #c4 ,pack two--= luxuries & easy  
trips--extra to pack "o4  ,m            

fi%+-tackle2 cam]a2 #a m pair socks2 #a 
m suit und]clo!s2 extra sweat]2         
wad+-%oes ( canvas2 l>ge axe2 mosquito  
net2 m5d+ mat]ials2 kettle2 c&les2 m    
cook+-ut5sils2 extra %irt2 :isky4   ,,! 
,,end4