e leader, "but never
let him once get sight of you." It was not so very particular about the
others, as they would not run until the leader started, unless very much
frightened. They were told to take, in addition to the gun and
ammunition, some food, a small axe in their belt, as well as their
trusty knife. They were not to be discouraged if hours passed before
they got a shot at the leader. They were to be patient and they would
succeed. The boys were amazed when the old Indian told them that
sometimes he had followed a great herd for three days before he got at
the leader. "But," he added, "it well paid me, as I shot twelve deer
ere they had a new leader."

How this could happen was a mystery to the boys until he explained to
them that when these herds come down fresh from the great barren lands
under the guidance of the leader they have such confidence in him, or
are in such fear of him, that when he is shot down the whole herd is
thrown into confusion, and they run here and there and jump about in
such a foolish manner, waiting for their leader to show them the way,
that a quick, clever Indian, hid behind a rock or standing in some dense
bushes, can keep loading and firing until he shoots from six to a dozen
of them. Then another great deer gives a snort and dashes off, and they
all follow him as the new leader. They are now so frightened that,
under his leadership, they will generally run a great many miles ere
they stop.

Early one morning, shortly after this information had been imparted by
the experienced old Indian to the boys, some scouts who had been on the
lookout came in with the information that two herds of deer were
visible. They were in different parts, and could be hunted at the same
time without any difficulty.

At once all preparations were made. As but one boy and one Indian could
go together, it was decided that Frank and Alec should make the first
attempt to show their skill in this kind of hunting. The old captain
took Alec with him, while another almost equally experienced hunter
accompanied Frank.

Sam was left boss of the camp, but he determined to do a little hunting
on his own account while the rest were off after the reindeer.

The clothing of the boys was inspected by the Indians, and everything of
a bright nature was discarded. They were all dressed in smoked leather
suits, with caps to match. This made them almost the colour of the
rocks and dried ferns, or bracken, a