Almost immediately he found signs of life.
A tree had been felled and cut into wood.

A short distance beyond he came suddenly upon a narrow path, beaten hard by the passing of feet, and leading toward the lake.

He had meant to rest under the shade of these trees but now he forgot his fatigue.

For a moment he hesitated.
Far back in the forest he heard the barking of a dog--but he turned in the opposite direction.

If there was a boat the path would take him to it.