AD1R0NDAC. 87 



The end of the lake was reached, and we turned 

 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. Listening, there came the 

 cracking of a limb, followed by a sound as of some- 

 thing 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 veloc- 

 ity. Presently, with a thrill of new intensity, I saw the 

 boat was gradually heading in that direction. Now, 

 tp a sportsman who gets excited over a gray squirrel, 

 and forgets that he has a gun on the sudden appear- 

 ance 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 whis- 

 per 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 nearing 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. 



