r, impelling our canoe, so that
made no difference. As we advanced, we saw a low island of some extent
about two-thirds of the way across the river. The deer was making for
it. Should he land he would gain considerably on us.

Martin proposed that we should steer for the southern side, so as to
intercept him. We were close to the western end of the island, on which
the deer was about to land, when I thought that I could hit him. I
fired. My bullet took effect--of that I was sure; but the deer still
continued his course. Martin now steered the canoe as we had proposed,
and we saw the deer land and begin to make his way across the island.

It was evident, however, that my shot had injured him, for he moved
slowly, and by exerting ourselves to the utmost we were soon able again
to get him within range. He stopped and gazed at us, apparently not
expecting to see us again in front of him. Instead of taking to the
water he moved on towards the east end of the island. Again he stopped,
facing us, when raising my rifle I sent a shot directly at his breast.

Lifting up his head, and vainly endeavouring to recover himself, he
slowly sank down on his knees, and the next instant rolled over dead.

Martin and I, uttering a shout of triumph, paddled towards the shore.

"Shall we cut him up at once, or go back and take Alick and Robin on
board, and then return for the purpose?" asked Martin.

"It may probably be some time before they get back to the bank," I
answered; "and I think it would be best to cut up the deer, and then we
shall astonish them with the result of our exploit."

Of course we felt not a little proud of our success. We accordingly
landed, and set to work in a scientific manner--first skinning the deer,
and then by means of our axe and long knives cutting it up into pieces.
We took only the best portions, with bits for Bouncer's share, leaving
the rest of the carcass with the head, excepting the tongue and the
antlers, which might be useful for manufacturing spears and other
articles.

We extricated also some of the sinews, which we were sure to want.

Having loaded our canoe, we shoved off and began to paddle back towards
the place where Alick and Robin had landed, looking out for them, in
case they should appear in any other part of the bank. We found it a
very difficult matter, however, to get up the stream. When we went in
chase of the deer we had the current with us, and the canoe was light.