Tales of the Wilderness

nearer, and its grey- trunked cedars and pines rose from their beds of golden moss to shake their crests to the stars and stretch their dark-green forest hands right up to the house. T

and ermines. Gunpowder and grape-shot lay on the tables. In the corners was a medley of lassoes, snares, and wolftraps. Some rifles hung round the

e; round it were some low wooden stools covered with bear-skin.

the rich blood coursed through its veins. Makar, the bear, approached, laid his heavy paws on his chest, and amicably sniffed at his bod

ong and healthy. Like all the hunters, he dressed in furs and a rough, home-woven fabric streaked with red. He

destructive-he would gnaw the nets and skins, break the traps, and lick up the gunpowder. Then Demi