cky point and
swept out upon a lake-like expanse in the river, which was perfectly
smooth and apparently currentless. Several islets studded its calm
breast and were reflected in the clear water. These were wooded to the
water's edge, and from among the sedges near their margin several flocks
of wild-fowl sprang up in alarm and went off in fluttering confusion.

It chanced that just then a trumpet-like note was heard overhead, as a
flock of wild geese passed the spot and came suddenly close within range
of the canoes which had been concealed from them by the bushes that
fringed the river.

Guns were seized at once by the bowmen in each canoe, but Archie was
smarter than Fergus. Before the Highlander had got the weapon well into
his hands the boy fired and one of the flock fell into the river with a
heavy plunge.

Little Bill signalised the successful shot with a high-toned cheer, and
the Indian with a low-toned "Waugh," while Fergus made a hurried and
therefore bad, shot at the scared flock.

"That wass a fery good shot, Archie," remarked Fergus, as the canoes
ranged up alongside of the dead bird.

"Yours was a very good one, too, Fergus," returned the boy; "only not
quite straight."

The smile on the face of Okematan proved that he understood the drift of
the reply, and that this was the style of humour he appreciated so
highly in his young friend. We civilised people may wonder a little at
the simplicity of the savage, but when we reflect that the chief had
been born and bred among the solemnities of the wilderness, and had been
up to that time wholly unacquainted with the humours and pleasantries
that sometimes accompany juvenile "cheek," our wonder may perhaps be
subdued.

"This would be a splendid place to camp for the rest of the day,"
suggested Davidson, while they rested on their paddles after the goose
had been secured. "We must lay in a small stock of fresh provisions,
you know, if we are to push on to-morrow or next day to our hunting
ground. What say you, Okematan?" he added in Cree, turning to their
guide.

"The will of the Paleface chief is the wish of Okematan. Let him
speak."

"Well, then, I vote for encamping on the small island over there, in the
middle o' the lake--for it's far more like a lake than a river
hereabouts--that one over which the hawk is hovering."

"I vote for it too," said Archie.

"So do I," chimed in Little Bill.

"I will be sayin' ditto to that," put in Fergus