Chapter XII

Set out from Edmonton--Prophecies of Evil--Mr. O’B.’s
Forebodings--Lake St. Ann’s--We enter the Forest--A
Rough Trail--Mr. O’B., impressed with the Difficulties
which beset him, commences the study of Paley--Pembina
River--The Coal-bed--Game--Curious Habit of the Willow
Grouse--Mr. O’B. en route--Changes wrought by Beaver--
The Assiniboine’s Adventure with the Grisly Bears--Mr.
O’B. prepares to sell his Life dearly--Hunt for the
Bears--Mr. O’B. Protects the Camp--The Bull-dogs--The
Path through the Pine Forest--The Elbow of the McLeod--
Baptiste becomes Discontented--Trout Fishing--Moose
Hunting--Baptiste Deserts--Council--Resolve to Proceed--
We lose the Trail--The Forest on Fire--Hot Quarters--
Working for Life--Escape--Strike the Athabasca River--
First View of the Rocky Mountains--Mr. O’B. spends a
Restless Night--Over the Mountain--Magnificent Scenery--
Jasper House--Wild Flowers--Hunting the “Mouton Gris” and
the “Mouton Blanc” 203