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 
