report of
our guns, the flock flew towards the wood for shelter. We soon picked
up those we had shot; but the flock had got too far off to permit of our
killing any others. Those we had obtained were fine fat fellows with
rich plumage, and would afford us an ample feast, with some to spare for
Bouncer.

Our success encouraged us to hope that we should not want for provisions
during our voyage. We at last got into the main river. Evening was
approaching, and as we had eaten nothing since breakfast, and a
convenient spot appearing on the left bank, we could not resist the
temptation of landing to cook our ducks.

It of course took time to collect sticks for our fire. While Martin and
Robin were doing this, Alick and I prepared the ducks, which had not, it
must be understood, nearly as much flesh on them as tame ducks, and
would therefore, after all, not afford an overpoweringly large meal to
each of us, considering that Bouncer was to have his share.

We soon saw that by the time the ducks were cooked it would be too late
to proceed on our voyage, and therefore agreed to camp during the night
where we were. While Alick and I were engaged on our task, Robin
arrived with a large bundle of wood sufficient to kindle the fire. We
therefore at once set the ducks on to roast, hoping that Martin would
soon come in with a further supply of fuel. As he did not appear, Robin
and I set off to collect some more, lest our fire should burn out. We
were hurrying back when we heard Martin's voice.

He had only a small bundle of wood on his shoulders, while he carried
under his arm a number of deer-horns.

"I found these near an old Indian camp," he exclaimed, "and it struck me
at once that we could manufacture out of them some heads for spears,
with which we may manage to kill some fish."

"I don't know what Alick will think about it, but I suspect that it will
take too long a time," I said; "and where are the handles to be found?"

"As I came along I saw some saplings, which we can soon cut down with
our axe; besides which I found a quantity of deer sinews, which the
Indians must have dropped. Though it is some time since the Indians
were at the camp, the sinews are still in good condition."

Alick was better pleased with Martin's idea than I had fancied he would
be. Martin indeed was very ingenious, and could turn his hand to
anything, as could Robin. As soon as we had eaten our ducks, as there
was still some dayli