gency.
Mustagan was given charge over all in case of any need arising. After
a short survey of the fierce conflict it was decided that they must
quietly work round the combatants and fire at them from the forest side.
Under the guidance of Mustagan the single party quietly drew back a
little, and then, making a detour, were nearly in the rear of the
fighting animals when a quick, sharp word from Mustagan caused them all
to drop flat upon the ground, for there, clearly visible in the light of
the dancing auroras, not two hundred yards away, was a large moose cow
with two young calves at her side. So intently was she watching the
battle that she had not the slightest suspicion of the presence of these
hunters.

This was a new complication. What was to be done? If possible she must
be killed. The meat of a cow moose is very much superior to that of the
bull. Gliding past the boys like a panther went Big Tom from the front
to consult with Mustagan, who was at the rear. Soon it was settled that
Big Tom was to get that cow, while the bulls were to be killed as
arranged.

But a few seconds for consultation were needed between these two Indian
hunters, and then to the eyes of the boys it seemed as though Big Tom,
the largest man in the party, literally sank into the ground, so small
did he seem to make himself, as with his gun in the fickle light he
silently glided away. Mustagan then, with the party close behind him,
moved on again to the scene of the battle, which was still fiercely
raging. The ground was very uneven, and as every advantage was taken of
it the boys were able to secure a most advantageous position not more
than fifty yards from the combatants.

The fierce battle was a sight sufficient to try the nerves of much older
persons than our boys. The bulls seemed simply wild with rage, and as
in their mad rushes their horns struck together Frank and Alec declared
that they saw fire flash from them; others, however, said it was only
auroral reflection as they turned at certain angles. Mustagan beckoned
the two boys who were to have the honour of the first fire, and placing
them side by side he quietly said:

"Wait until in their fighting they turn their sides to you, then aim to
strike them behind the foreshoulders."

They had not long to wait ere the double report rang out on the midnight
air, and as an echo to it another one was heard not far away. That the
balls struck was evident, for the thud of