m most
thoroughly for having deceived him. This attack the man resented, and a
first-class quarrel was the result. Around them gathered numbers of
Indians, and in the mutual recriminations of these two the truth came
out, and the people saw that they had long been deluded by a pair of
impostors. From that, day they were discredited men, and never after
regained any power or influence.

That evening Mr Ross explained to the boys the whole affair. He showed
them the bogus bullet, and explained to them how it was made. The boys
admitted that it was a clever trick, and were not satisfied until they
had made several of them in the manner described.

Thus ended their first and last experience with Indian conjurers, and it
thoroughly convinced them that they are only cunning impostors.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

OUTING--ALEC AND MUSTAGAN'S SHOOTING CONTEST, OR GUN VERSUS BOW AND
ARROW-SHOOTING THE SWANS--WAS SAM CROSS-EYED?--THE RETURN TRIP--THE
ESCAPE OF THE DOE AND FAWN FROM THE WOLF.

As Mr Ross had quite recovered, it was resolved to go again on an
extended trip to the country in the region of Montreal Point, and have
some hunting in that section of country. Some Indian hunters had come
in from that place, and reported the entire absence of wolves. This was
not to be wondered at, on account of the number that had been shot in
the fierce conflict which there took place. It is also a fact well-
known to wolf hunters that when a pack has been severely defeated the
survivors at once retreat to some distant regions.

As the weather was very fine, Mrs Ross and the younger members of the
family accompanied them as far as to the Old Fort. They travelled in a
large and roomy canoe especially made for them. It was manned by four
Indians, who were very proud of their charge. Frank and Sam, with an
Indian hunter, occupied another canoe, while Mr Ross had with him Alec
and Mustagan.

As the ducks and other gamy birds were numerous, they had some good
shooting from their canoes as they paddled along. At times they were
able to fire into large flocks, then again they tried their skill on a
single bird as it rapidly flew by.

Said Mustagan to Alec: "You take gun, I take bow and arrow, and we see
who shoot best."

"All right," said Alec, "I'll try."

So it was decided that when the next duck flew over them Alec was to try
first. If he missed, Mustagan was to shoot, and thus they would
alternately fire--first Alec, and