alley
itself being dotted with clumps of wood, among which the fresh green
foliage of the plane tree and the silver-stemmed birch were conspicuous,
giving an airy lightness to the scene and enhancing the picturesque
effect of the dark pines. A small stream could be traced winding out
and in among clumps of willows, reflecting their drooping boughs and the
more sombre branches of the spruce fir and the straight larch, with
which in many places its banks were shaded. Here and there were
stretches of clearer ground, where the green herbage of spring gave to
it a lawn-like appearance, and the whole magnificent scene was bounded
by blue hills that became fainter as they receded from the eye and
mingled at last with the horizon. The sun had just set, and a rich glow
of red bathed the whole scene, which was further enlivened by flocks of
wild-fowls and herds of reindeer.

These last soon drew Charley's attention from the contemplation of the
scenery, and observing a deer feeding in an open space, towards which he
could approach without coming between it and the wind, he ran for his
gun and hurried into the woods, while Jacques busied himself in
arranging their blankets under the upturned canoe, and in preparing
supper.

Charley discovered, soon after starting, what all hunters discover
sooner or later--namely, that appearances are deceitful; for he no
sooner reached the foot of the hill than he found, between him and the
lawn-like country, an almost impenetrable thicket of underwood. Our
young hero, however, was of that disposition which sticks at nothing,
and instead of taking time to search for an opening, he took a race and
sprang into the middle of it, in hopes of forcing his way through. His
hopes were not disappointed. He got through--quite through--and
alighted up to the armpits in a swamp, to the infinite consternation of
a flock of teal ducks that were slumbering peacefully there with their
heads under their wings, and had evidently gone to bed for the night.
Fortunately he held his gun above the water and kept his balance, so
that he was able to proceed with a dry charge, though with an uncommonly
wet skin. Half an hour brought Charley within range, and watching
patiently until the animal presented his side towards the place of his
concealment, he fired and shot it through the heart.

"Well done, Mister Charles," exclaimed Jacques, as the former staggered
into camp with the reindeer on his shoulders. "A fa