Whilst I was debating what I had best do to extricate myself from this dilemma, I came upon a tolerably fresh blazed line, which I suspected was the boundary between the townships of Guelph and the Clergy-reserve-block of Puslinch.  In this idea I was perfectly right; but the question now with me was, in which direction I should follow the line.  After considering for some time, as ill-luck would have it, I took the wrong route, and, having walked at least three miles, came to the end of the blaze, where I found a surveyor’s post, on which was legibly written, in red chalk, on each side, the names of the four townships, of which it was the corner-post; viz.  Guelph, Puslinch, Nasagiweya, and Eramosa; and lower down on the post, “seven miles and a half to Guelph.”  I had, therefore, nothing for it, but to turn back on the line and retrace my steps.  This I did in a smart run, for I saw the shades of night fast gathering around me.

In less than an hour I had passed the place where I first found the blaze, but soon after came to a windfall,* where I found it impossible to follow the line through.  I was, therefore, compelled to leave the blaze—­my only sure guide—­which, however, I still hoped to re-find, by keeping round the edge of the windfall, till I again struck the line.  Just before dark, I saw a partridge sitting on a log, I believe.  I fresh primed, and snapped half a dozen times at him, without effect, but the gun had got so wet, that at last I gave it up as a bad job; though I should have liked him very much for my supper, for which I had a ravenous appetite.

[* A heap of great trees blown down by the wind.]

Presently, I came to a nice little spring creek running under some fine shady cedars.  The ground looked dry and mossy; and as it was nearly dark, I thought the best thing I could do was to camp for the night, for I knew it was impossible to find my way after dark.  I immediately collected a large quantity of dry balsam-fir, which lay about in great profusion, and chose a cluster of spreading cedars for my camp.  After this, I piled a large heap of wood against one of the trees; and rubbing some dry cedar-bark quite fine, put it under my wood.  In order to light my fire, I tore up a piece of a cotton handkerchief, which I laid over the pan of my gun, newly primed.  Having fired the cotton in this manner, I enclosed it in the cedar-bark, keeping up the flame—­not by using that primitive bellows, my mouth—­but, by waving the bark to and fro, after the method used by the Indians.  Thus, I soon had a large cheerful fire, which I much needed, for I was thoroughly wet.

My first care was to dry my gun and reload it, in case of wolves.  Whilst I was busy doing this, I heard a shot, and then another; but the gunners were a long way off, as I knew by the sound—­certainly not less than three miles; and as I was quite aware it was useless for me to attempt to make my way out, I contented myself with firing my gun in answer to their shots, which, not being repeated, I also ceased firing, though I had no doubt my neighbours were searching for me, but not near enough to find me out.  However, I discovered the direction in which Guelph lay, by the sound of their volleys, so I did not despair, as I felt sure of being able to regain my home in the morning.