On receiving the information, Walter Cameron shook

his head.

"We have other things to do, young man," said he,

"than go a-hunting after bears. I'm just about making

up my mind to send off a party to search out the valley

on the other side of the Blue Mountains yonder, and

bring back word if there are beaver there; for if not, I

mean to strike away direct south. Now, if you've a

mind to go with them, you're welcome. I'll warrant you'll

find enough in the way of bear-hunting to satisfy you;