ually jumping up to take a look out; but in
that respect we were disappointed.

Soon after noon the wind began to fall, as we knew by the decrease of
its sound among the trees and the lessened agitation of the boughs
overhead.

"Come, boys, we may make a few miles good this evening," exclaimed
Alick, jumping up. "If we find the river still too rough, we can but
put back and spend the night here; but I suspect that in a short time
the wind will drop altogether, and we shall be able to paddle on till
dark. We are sure to find some place or other where we can land to camp
for the night."

We accordingly lost no time in lifting our canoe into the water and
getting on board. Bouncer, observing the careful way in which we
stepped into our canoe, imitated our example, his sagacity showing him
that if he were to leap on the gunwale he might upset her.

Once more we shoved off, and going down the creek were soon in the open
river. By this time it was almost calm, and the water was perfectly
smooth.

We paddled on at a quick rate, the river being free of obstructions of
any sort, while at the same time we kept a lookout on both sides for the
appearance of either friends or foes, or of any game.

The air after the storm was unusually pleasant, and our spirits rose.
The banks on either side were wooded, and prevented us from seeing to
any distance beyond them. Here and there, however, grassy points ran
out into the stream, on which it was possible that deer might be found
feeding, while in little bays and indentations of the banks tall reeds
grew, likely to afford shelter to wild-fowl.

We were just about to round one of these points when a duck flying up
directed its course across the river. Putting in my paddle, I seized my
gun, and was on the point of firing at it when Alick exclaimed, "Hold
fast! see out there;" and as I looked ahead, I observed on a low, grassy
point a herd of five or six deer, which had come down to the river to
drink. Some of them, catching sight of the canoe, looked up and stood
curiously watching us. Our great object was now to approach without
frightening them.

"Keep silence, all of you," whispered Alick. "Paddle cautiously on.
Get ready your guns, so as to fire when I tell you."

We did as he bade us.

"We must have one of those fellows, at all events, and two if we can.
It will be provoking to lose them altogether," said Alick.

He steered first directly towards the opposite side