past, they started down
the hill in the direction of Windy Mountains. They had some big
bare rocks to cover, and slipped and slid over these as best they
could, and then plunged straight into a thick woods.

"Ought to be hunting here, if anywhere," observed Shep. "Looks as
if it was new ground for sportsmen."

"Beware of sink holes!" cried Whopper as he reached a rather soft
spot. "We don't want to go down as we did the other time we were
out."

"Look!" exclaimed the doctor's son as they came to a small opening
in the woods. "Deer, or I'll eat my cap!"

He pointed to some bushes and tender saplings growing near. The
bushes had been nibbled, and so had the bark on the saplings, showing
that some animal had been there.

"I believe you are right, and if so we may get a shot," answered
Giant.

"Yes, a shot---but not until after we have used our cameras,"
answered the doctor's son. "Don't forget the first object of this
outing---to get some good pictures."

"Right you are, Shep; I forgot. But we must shoot the deer---after
we have our photos."

"Better sight the game first," came from Snap.

With the thoughts of bringing down one or more deer filling their
minds, the boy hunters did not care so much about making a camp for
the night. If necessary, they knew they could erect their tent
anywhere, and take it down again in the morning. Even the prospect
of rain did not daunt them.

"Let us hurry," said Shep. "If we reach the deer we want to do it
while it is light enough to take some pictures."

With their cameras and guns ready for use, they went on, Tommy
cautioning the dog to be silent. Wags seemed to understand and
even acted as if he might lead them to the game. But he was not
trained, so they took no chances on this.

Deep in a hollow they came upon the unmistakable hoofmarks of three
deer. They followed these through the woods and to a small clearing.
At a clump of bushes the doctor's son called a halt.

"I think they may be near," he whispered. "If so, we want to go slow
or they'll get away from us."

"Perhaps you'd better go ahead and take a look," said Snap, sure that
that was what his chum desired.

The loads were slipped to the ground, and they went on, Shep well
in advance. Suddenly the doctor's son put up one hand. It was a
signal that the game was in sight. Snap whispered to Tommy to stop
and hold the collie.

"There they are, by yonder rocks," said the doctor's son, point