, leaning in an attitude of graceful
negligence on his rifle, and evidently waiting an opportunity to get a
blow or a shot at the stag. As soon as these children of the forest
caught sight of the steamer and of Doughby's boat, they ceased
rowing, only recommencing when encouraged by some loud hurras, and
even then visibly taking care to keep as far as possible from the
fire-ship. It was a picturesque and interesting sight to observe the
two boats describing a sort of circle on the broad ruddy stream, while
the steamer rounding to, formed in a manner the base of the operation,
and cut off the stag's retreat. Presently a shot fired without effect
from Doughby's boat, drove the beast over towards the canoe. The long
slender bark darted across the animal's track with the swiftness of an
arrow, and as it did so, the Indian who was standing up dealt the stag
a blow that caused it to reel and spin round in the water, and change
its course for the second time. When I again glanced at the canoe, the
young Indian had disappeared.

"Here he comes" shouted Doughby, pointing to the deer, which was now
swimming towards his boat. "Give way, boys! the Indians must learn of
a Kentucky man how to strike a stag. Give way, I say!"

The noble beast had recovered from the severe blow it had received,
and had now approached the steamer towards which it cast such a
supplicating tearful look, that the hearts of the ladies were touched
with compassion.

"Mr Doughby," cried half a score feminine voices, "spare the poor
beast! Pray, pray let it go!"

"Spare a stag, ladies! Where did you ever hear of such a thing? Hurra,
boys!" shouted he, as the boat came up with the deer, and clubbing his
rifle, he delivered a blow with the but-end that split the stock in
two, and threw the stunned animal upon the gunwale of the boat. Quick
as thought, Doughty clutched the antlers with one hand, while with the
other he reached for the knife which one of his companions held out to
him. At that moment the deer threw itself on one side with a
convulsive movement, the boat rocked, Doughby lost his balance, the
stag, which was now recovering its strength, drew itself violently
back, and in an instant the Kentuckian was floundering in the water,
struggling with the deer, to whose horns he held on with the gripe of
a tiger.

"Hallo, Mister Doughby in the Red River!"

The whole ship was now in an uproar, the ladies screaming, the men
shouting directions and advic