64 OPPORTUNE ASSISTANCE. 



not tightly grasped the branches he would have been 

 quickly shaken from his perch. 



Backing from the trunk, the maddened beast sud- 

 denly rushed against it with all the force it could 

 command ; and with a loud crack several roots burst 

 and shot above the earth. The tree now leaned 

 seriously to one side, and encouraged by this success 

 the moose again charged, tearing off the bark by the 

 force of the concussion. Pierre with terror perceived 

 that the tree was yielding to the pressure, and before 

 he could resolve on what course of action he should 

 next pursue, the remaining roots gave way one by one, 

 and the tree fell to the ground. 



With a cry of horror the young hunter gave himself 

 up for lost. The moose sprang forward to the attack ; 

 but at that instant the sharp crack of a rifle was heard, 

 and with a mighty bound the huge beast plunged for- 

 ward to the earth, ploughing up the turf with its 

 ponderous antlers. It was old Jake who had so 

 opportunely come to his comrade's assistance. 



Pierre quickly disentangled himself from the branches, 

 and stood over the still quivering carcass of his late 

 antagonist. 



" Jehoshaphat ! " exclaimed the old trapper, coming 

 forward. " I guess old Plumcentre air yer providence, 

 young fellur. Ef I hadn't put in my say, you'd a gone 

 under you would this hyur day, as sure as beaver 

 medicine." 



Pierre expressed his sense of obligation, which the 



