at the deer had become very much excited, and at first had all huddled
close together on the shore. Mr Ross and the rest at first thought
that they must have observed the canoes or had caught the scent of those
who had landed. A moment's observation revealed that this was not the
case. The very position of the deer showed that the fears were caused
by enemies behind them, and they had not long to wait ere they were at
first heard and then seen. Faintly coming on the wind were heard the
blood-curdling howls of a pack of wolves.

To judge by the movements of the herd of deer it looked as though the
beautiful creatures seemed to think of defence. The bucks formed a
compact line, with their antlered heads down toward the point, from
which the rapidly increasing howls were coming, while the does and young
deer crowded in behind. Not long did they there remain. A louder
chorus of horrid sounds reached them, which seemed to tell of their
triumph at having struck the warm scent of their victims. These
dreadful howlings were too much for the timid deer, and so with a rush
they were off with the speed of the wind, running directly toward the
point where Mustagan had placed the two boys and the Indians. It was
very fortunate for them that in this hour of peril they had the cool-
headed and courageous Mustagan in command.

He had been watching the deer from his hiding place and had observed
their sudden fear and precipitate retreat. His long experience at once
came to his help, and so, before his acute ear had caught the sound of
the distant howlings of the wolves, he was certain of their coming.
With a celerity most marvellous he gathered in the boys and Indians and
quickly explained how matters stood, and told them that their bullets
would probably be required for other game than deer.

Taking a hasty survey of the ground along which he was sure the deer
would fly, pursued by the wolves, he arranged his men, keeping the boys
with himself.

His instructions were to let the deer go by unharmed by them; then, as
the wolves followed, for each to pick out one and fire. Then, if
attacked by the rest of the pack, they were to close in together and
fight them with their axes and their knives. If, however, they were not
attacked after they had fired, they were to again load their guns as
quickly as possible.

"Down to your places!" sternly spoke Mustagan.

And hardly a moment passed ere the herd of deer flew by, some of