, and
La Tour, as their supply of food was running low, decided to halt for a
few days, in order that they might have a moose hunt.

This was good news to the whole party, and there was keen competition
among the members to be allowed to take part in the hunt, La Tour's
purpose being to have one-half of the men accompany him, while the rest
remained at the camp.

Raoul took it for granted that he was to go, and was quite dismayed
when his uncle let fall a remark which implied that he was to stay
behind.

"Why, uncle," he exclaimed, "am I not to go with you?"

"Well, I hadn't thought about it, Raoul," was the reply. "Won't it be
rather hard work for you to keep up with us? And then there may be
some danger, you know."

"Oh, but I don't mind either the hard work or the danger," Raoul
promptly responded. "Please let me go too, uncle, I want to so much."

"Very well then," replied La Tour, good-naturedly. "You can come
along, but you'll have to look after yourself, for I'm going to give my
whole attention to the moose."

Mounted upon broad snow-shoes, which enabled them to travel with ease
and speed over the deepest snow, the hunting-party set forth amid the
cheers of those who regretfully remained behind. They were all in high
spirits, and the men made little boasts among themselves as to which of
them would be the first to sight a moose, and to get the first shot at
one.

"This heavy fall of snow will make things easier for us," Monsieur La
Tour said to Raoul, as they tramped along together. "The big fellows
will not be able to run very fast through such deep drifts."

It was not until mid-day drew near that signs of moose were seen, and
then one of the keen-sighted Indians, who was in the van, came hurrying
back to announce that he had found fresh tracks in the snow.

After examining them La Tour consulted for a moment with his
companions, and then laid out his plan of campaign, which was that the
party should spread out in a wide line, so as to cover as much ground
as possible, and yet keep within hearing of signals, so as to be able
to gather together again at the proper time.

"As for you, Raoul, you had better follow me," he said. "You'll not
miss any of the excitement, and you'll be less likely to get astray."

This suited Raoul perfectly, and having seen to it that his gun was
ready for instant action he followed his uncle's lead, although it was
no easy matter to keep pace with his rapid stri