62 LOOKING FOR SHELTER. 



disabled condition, that it was only by the exercise of 

 the fullest agility that Pierre could save himself from 

 the infuriated animal, which twisted, turned, and 

 charged with great rapidity. 



At this juncture the hunter glanced hurriedly round 

 in search of a tree which might afford him some 

 security. But not one was near enough, with the 

 exception of a thin, tall poplar. This grew not more 

 than one hundred yards from the spot, if he could 

 but reach it ! the hunter thought that if once among 

 its branches he would be safe for the present, at 

 all events. This reflection scarcely occupied him an 

 instant, and he at once prepared to carry it out. The 

 moose just at this moment stood between Pierre and 

 the tree, but this was exactly what the young trapper 

 desireJ. The beast made a sudden rush forward. 

 Pierre nimbly stepped aside from the animal's path, 

 and before it could wheel to renew the attack the 

 hunter made for the friendly shelter of the tree at his 

 best pace. 



With a snort of rage the awkward, long-legged 

 animal turned to pursue. Never did Pierre make 

 such use of his legs. Fortunately for him the race 

 was short, or he never would have survived the adven- 

 ture; As a rule, the moose is a wary, timid creature, 

 flying from danger on the slightest intimation of its 

 proximity. But when wounded and followed, it will 

 frequently cast aside all idea of further flight, and then 

 it fights with the malignant desperation of a demon. 



