We had some difficulty in procuring what we required for the journey, having but little money left, but by judicious barter we at length overcame the difficulty, although, when we came to pay our bill at the Fort, we were compelled to beg off 3s. 4d., by which it exceeded the contents of our purse! By the kindness of the residents of the Fort, Mr. O’B. was fitted out for the journey with horse and saddle, forty pounds of pemmican, and some tea and tobacco. The horses were by this time in fine condition, and we resolved to set out at once, in order that we might have plenty of time before us in case of unforeseen delays, although we should thus encounter the rivers at their highest flood, and the morasses in their spongiest condition. 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.”