96 ADIRONDAC. 



back. The novelty and the excitement began to 

 flag ; tired nature began to assert her claims ; the 

 movement was soothing, and the gunner slumbered 

 fitfully at his post. Presently something aroused 

 me. " There 's a deer," whispered the guide. The 

 gun heard, and fairly jumped in my hand. Listen- 

 ing, there came the cracking of a limb, followed by a 

 Bound as of something walking in shallow water. It 

 proceeded from the other end of the lake, over 

 against our camp. On we sped, noiselessly as ever, 

 but with increased velocity. Presently, with a thrill 

 of new intensity, I saw the boat was gradually head- 

 ing in that direction. Now, to a sportsman who gets 

 excited over a gray squirrel, and forgets that he has 

 a gun on the sudden appearance of a fox, this was a 

 severe trial. I felt suddenly cramped for room, and 

 trimming the boat was out of the question. It 

 seemed that I must make some noise in spite of my- 

 self. " Light the jack," said a soft whisper behind 

 me. I fumbled nervously for a match, and dropped 

 the first one. Another was drawn briskly across my 

 knee, and broke. A third lighted, but went out pre- 

 maturely, in my haste to get it up to the jack. What 

 would I not have given to see those wicks blaze ! 

 W"e were fast nearing the shore, — already the lily- 

 pads began to brush along the bottom. Another at- 

 tempt, and the light took. The gentle motion fanned 

 the blaze, and in a moment a broad glare of light fel 

 apon the water in front of us, while the boat re- 

 named in utter darkness. 



