growth sounded nearer and nearer, and, as Sam declared, showed that
Bowser had steam up and was going for something.

Suddenly the bushes parted only a short ways from where the three
wondering lads stood, and, instead of the hound, some kind of a wild
animal came toward them on a dead run.

The group were too amazed to think of the guns they held, and only
stared in mute wonder.

The game did not see them until within a hundred feet, when he whirled
at right angles and plunged away with arrowy speed.

As he did so, he exposed his flank to the young hunters, who could not
have been given a better opportunity to bring him down, for the throwing
forward of the foreleg, opened his most vulnerable part to the bullet.

But none was sent after him; at that instant he was recognized as a fine
buck deer, with branching antlers thrown back so that they seemed to
rest on his spine, while his legs were flung straight in front and then
backward, as he took his long graceful leaps.

The boys had set out to hunt a bear, and were astounded that, when they
dared not hope they were anywhere in his vicinity, a splendid deer
should spring up and dash by them.

Before they could give utterance to their amazement, Bowser came along
with his nose to the ground and baying hoarsely.

Just as he turned to follow the deer, Herbert Watrous raised his
breech-loader to his shoulder and fired point blank at him.

"What did you do that for?" demanded Sam Harper, striding threateningly
toward him with his fist raised.

"Why--why--I declare! I thought it was the bear!" exclaimed the abashed
Herbert; "I never dreamed it was the dog."

Sam was not disposed to believe this story, and he stood irresolute,
strongly inclined to punish the city youth who had fired at his hound;
but Nick compelled his angry friend to laugh by saying:

"You shouldn't be mad, Sam, for Bowser is safe so long as Herbert aims
at him. I don't think he came within twenty feet. If he should hit him
you can make up your mind it is an accident."

Herbert hardly knew how to answer this remark, for he saw that he had
not done a very creditable thing, view it as he might, so he made a
radical turn in the conversation.

"Who would have thought it, boys? We've got not only a bear, but a deer
to hunt, and I say, may the best fellow win!"

And with this manly sentiment on his lips he broke into a rapid run
after the buck and hound, the others following, forgetful of the little