s ready to echo these words, when he got to
thinking how one of a dozen things might have accompanied the mad rush
of the moose through the camp.

They never did know what had really caused his charge; whether some
vindictive spirit of rage provoked the huge beast; or that he fancied a
rival bull were challenging him to mortal combat, just as in the case of
the fellow, whom Sebattis had previously lured within gunshot, with his
seductive moose call.

The balance of the night gave them only broken sleep; because of the
sudden and rude shock of this awakening. Bumpus hugged his new gun close
to his side; and raised his head so often to listen, that both Giraffe
and Allan vowed they would be compelled to chase him outside if he
didn't get busy, and capture some sleep right away.

Morning came in due time, and they found that little damage had been
done by the rush of the moose, beyond some rents in the canvas of the
tent.

Once more they started forth, and all that day plodded on, making many
miles, and by evening reaching the spot where Jim said they could have
their canoes and luggage carried over to Portage Lake by a man he knew,
who owned a team and a wagon.

"How far is it across from here?" asked Thad, seeking information.

"Depends on what way yuh go thar," replied Jim, "but I guesses as Nick
he likes the three mile carry best. Start fresh in the mornin' sure."

After they had partaken of an early supper Jim went off to find his
friend who owned the team, while the others busied themselves getting
their belongings in as small a compass as possible, looking forward to
what was expected to happen on the following morning.

Later, when Jim came back, he reported that he had interviewed Nick, and
made all necessary arrangements with him to take the three canoes, and
the stuff that went with them, across the carry in the morning. The boys
were expected to walk and if necessary push at the wheels of the wagon,
should it get stuck in a creek bed of soft quicksand.

The night passed quietly, and all hands managed to put in plenty of time
sleeping, to make up for the loss of the previous one. In the morning
the loud "whoa" of a stentorian voice announced the arrival of the
expected team. They proved to be oxen instead of horses, and once the
canoes, and other stuff, had been loaded on the big low wagon, the
journey commenced.

Slow progress was the order of the day. Giraffe grumbled, but it did no
good. And it wa