80 WAKE -ROBIN 



a sound 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 

 heading 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 myself. "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 prematurely, in my haste to 

 get it up to the jack. What would I not have 

 given to see those wicks blaze ! We were fast near- 

 ing the shore, already the lily-pads began to 

 brush along the bottom. Another attempt, and the 

 light took. The gentle motion fanned the blaze, 

 and in a moment a broad glare of light fell upon 

 the water in front of us, while the boat remained in 

 utter darkness. 



By this time I had got beyond the nervous point, 

 and had come round to perfect coolness and compos- 

 ure again, but preternaturally vigilant and keen. I 

 was ready for any disclosures; not a sound was 

 heard. In a few moments the trees alongshore 

 were faintly visible. Every object put on the 

 shape of a gigantic deer. A large rock looked just 



