KLAPPAN CROSSING

Bryonp the Klappan summit the trail ran narrowly
through tall timber, so that the bulky packs of the
horses would often strike against the trunks of trees.
Balsam alternated with spruce, and giant jack-pine
stood in clumps. Beside the trail there were bunches
of lupine leaves, and under the trees bright fungi
erew upon stumps and fallen logs. Rays of sunlight
shot fitfully through heavy clouds to fall among the
branches. The tops of the trees were suddenly illum-
inated ; light dripped and filtered downward; astray
gleam dropped through a branchless space and
found a patch of grass or a flowering bush or a por-
cupine or a group of toadstools among the shadows.
A nest of yellow-jackets on the trail was disturbed
by the foremost horse, and for a few minutes the
whole train was bucking and snorting, maddened
by the cruel stings. The dog, who frequently dis-
appeared among the trees in search of adventure,
came back howling piteously, his nose stuck with
porcupine quills. A pack slipped from one of the
horses. A bear growled. The Indian dismounted to

examine fresh tracks on the ground. The horses
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