ently in pursuit of it. There were a dozen of
them in all, and they were running exactly like hounds upon the "view
holloa." Lucien saw at a glance they were wolves. Most of them were
dappled-grey and white, while some were of a pure white colour. Any one
of them was nearly as large as the caribou itself; for in these parts--
around Great Slave Lake--the wolf grows to his largest size.

The caribou gained upon them as it bounded down the slope of the hill.
It was evidently making for the lake, believing, no doubt, that the
black ice upon its surface was water, and that in that element it would
have the advantage of its pursuers, for the caribou is a splendid
swimmer. Nearly all deer when hunted take to the water--to throw off
the dogs, or escape from men--and to this habit the reindeer makes no
exception.

Down the hill swept the chase, Lucien having a full view both of
pursuers and pursued. The deer ran boldly. It seemed to have gathered
fresh confidence at sight of the lake, while the same object caused its
pursuers a feeling of disappointment. They knew they were no match for
a caribou in the water, as no doubt many a one had escaped them in that
element. It is not likely, however, that they made reflections of this
sort. There was but little time. From the moment of their appearance
upon the crest of the hill till the chase arrived at the edge of the
lake, was but a few seconds. On reaching the shore the caribou made no
stop; but bounded forward in the same way as if it had been springing
upon water. Most likely it expected to hear a plunge; but, instead of
that, its hoofs came down upon the hard ice; and, by the impulse thus
given, the animal shot out with the velocity of a skater. Strange to
say, it still kept its feet; but, now seemingly overcome by surprise,
and knowing the advantage its pursuers would have over it upon the
slippery ice, it began to plunge and flounder, and once or twice came to
its knees. The hungry pursuers appeared to recognise their advantage at
once, for their howling opened with a fresh burst, and they quickened
their pace. Their sharp claws enabled them to gallop over the ice at
top speed; and one large brute that led the pack soon came up with the
deer, sprang upon it, and bit it in the flank. This brought the deer
upon its haunches, and at once put an end to the chase. The animal was
hardly down upon the ice, when the foremost wolves coming up
precipitated themselves