ping noise, which resembled the heavy thud of an axe against wood.
This came nearer--nearer. It was followed once by a sort of short, sharp
bark.

Then the motionless occupants of the boat heard random, guttural grunts,
a smashing of dead branches, crashing of undergrowth, and the proud ring
of mighty antlers against the trees. The lord of the forest, a big
bull-moose, was tearing recklessly through the woods towards the lake,
in answer to the call of his imaginary mate.

To say that the hearts of our trio were performing gymnastic feats
during these awfully silent minutes of waiting, is to say little. All
the repressed motion of their bodies seemed concentrated in these
organs, which raced, leaped, stopped short, and pounded, vibrating to
such questions as:--

"Will he come? Where shall we first see him? How near is he now? Does he
suspect the trick? Will he give us the slip after all?--_Has he gone_?"

For of a sudden dead stillness reigned in the forest. No more trampling,
grunting, and knocking of antlers. The spirits of the three sank to
zero. Their breathing became thick. The blood, which a moment before had
played like wildfire in their veins, now stirred sluggishly as if it was
freezing. Disappointment, blank and bitter, shivered through them from
neck to foot.

So passed quarter of an hour. A filmy mist rose from the surface of the
water, and drifted by their faces like the brushing of cold wings. For
lack of motion hand and feet felt numb. Mid the pitch-black shadows,
snug in by the bank, no man could see the face of his fellow, though the
trio would have given a fortune to read their guide's. Not a word was
spoken. Once, when a deep breath of impatience escaped him, Neal heard
the folds of his coat rub each other, and clenched his teeth to stop an
exclamation at the sound, which he had never noticed before.

Nearly twenty minutes had elapsed since the last noise had been heard in
the woods, when Herb took up the horn which he had laid down, and put
it to his mouth. Again the call rolled up. It was neither loud nor long
this time, ending with a quick, short roar.

As it ceased the guide plunged his arm into the water and slowly
withdrew it, letting drops dribble from his fingers.

The novices could only suspect that this manoeuvre was another lure for
the bull-moose, if he chanced to be still within hearing. Its success
took their breath away.

The wary bull which had answered, having doubtless harbo