s, Alec rather mischievously suggested to Sam that he ought to
enter for this, as his practice in that famous escapade with the bear,
where he ran with such marvellous rapidity, might have turned out a good
training for this occasion. To the surprise of all, when Frank added
his banter to the others, Sam sprang up and asked permission from Mr
Ross, who was somewhat amused at this request, as he felt sure Sam would
be hopelessly beaten; but he readily granted Sam's desire. Surprises
often come from unexpected quarters. Sam quickly stripped off his outer
garments and, much to the Indians' delight, took his place among them.
Over twenty competitors started. The race was a spurt from the
beginning. To the surprise and delight of the whites, Sam came in
second, being only beaten by Emphasis, a noted runner, and whose name
means "the young deer."

Old Kapastick, the chief, was so delighted with Sam's success that he
presented to him a second prize, which was a pair of beautiful Indian
moccasins.

After these running races were the wrestling matches, and as Sam's
success had fired the ardour of both Alec and Frank, and had raised him
so much in the eyes of the Indians; they asked permission to try their
sturdy English and Scottish strength against the supple agility of these
lithe Indians. For good reasons Mr Ross only permitted one of them to
enter into this competition, and as Frank had a school reputation among
his chums at home he was settled on to uphold the honour of the paleface
against the dark-skinned Indians. Eight competitors entered the lists,
so there were four pairs of wrestlers, and the conquerors in each bout
would have to wrestle with each other, until eventually the prize winner
would have to throw three competitors.

At this time there was great interest in wrestling contests, but being
objected to by so many they have about disappeared in these later years
from the Indian mission schools.

The competitors were all placed in pairs upon the green, soft grass, and
warned not to get angry, but each to do the best he could to down his
opponent. It was "catch as you can," and get your opponent down until
both of his shoulders at the same time touch the ground.

Face to face, and with their hands extended so that they just touched
their opponent's, they waited the "How" of the chief to begin the
exciting struggle.

Frank was matched against a splendid young fellow, lithe and supple as
an eel. So qu