a large quantity of tobacco was smoked, decided
that as the boys were to remain some time in the country they had better
wait for the development of some strong peculiarities in them, or until
some great event occurred that would suggest some expressive name.
While disappointed with this decision of the council, the boys had to
rest content.

At first they found the use of the soft, pliable moccasin very strange,
after the heavy boots of civilisation, and for a little while complained
of a soreness in the soles of their feet. These, however, soon
hardened, and then they much preferred the soft Indian shoes to all
others.

On the contemplated trip Mr Ross decided that, in addition to some
younger Indians, he would take with him two old, experienced men, who
were perhaps the most famous hunters of their tribe. One of these was
our old friend, Big Tom; the other was called Mustagan. He was almost
as large as Big Tom, and had a wonderful record. We shall hear much
about him as these pages advance, and will be delighted to have him with
us in many an exciting hour.

Three canoes were employed on this excursion. Mr Ross had Mustagan,
another Indian, and one of the boys with him; while the other two
canoes, which were not quite so large as Mr Ross's, had in each two
Indians to paddle them, and one of the boys. So when the party started
it consisted of ten persons. Everyone was well supplied with guns and
ammunition. The guns used were the muzzle-loaders of the country, as
after some experiments with the breech-loaders there was found to be a
good deal of difficulty in reference to the supplies of cartridges. The
usual camping outfit and supplies for a month's outing were taken along
with them.

While passing through Play Green Lake, they amused themselves one day by
catching some very large jack fish, or pike, in the usual way. It seems
very surprising that the mere concussion of the air caused by the firing
of blank charges of gunpowder could so stun or paralyse such enormous
fish.

As they journeyed on, a quiet "Hush!" from Mustagan caused them to look
toward the shore, and there, not far up from the sandy beach, were to be
seen four beautiful young deer. As Mr Ross was anxious to get on, and
nothing specially was to be gained by hunting these beautiful young
creatures, they were not even disturbed or frightened. The boys watched
them for some time, and were delighted with their graceful movements as
like