FOXES AND SNOW-SHOES 209 



would be sure to be tired, and Rap can ride on it, too, 

 whenever he wants to come." 



"I'm glad to have you introduced to snow-shoes," 

 said Mr. Blake, " because they hold an important jjart 

 in the life-history and hunting of some of our biggest 

 game, as well as furnisli the ' reason why ' some of our 

 noblest animals, like the Moose, are following the 

 Buffalo to the Happy Hunting Grounds." 



Olaf, Nez, Toinette's brother, and the Doctor Avere 

 talking earnestly together as Mr. Blake turned toward 

 them, and the boys heard the words, "deer," "sharp 

 tracks," "fine buck," "last night," ending with Nez' 

 usual exclamation of surprise, " Want to know ! " 



" Jacque has seen a Deer two miles below here," 

 said Olaf, "in a cleared bit in the woods. He saw 

 him in the snow last night, but was not quite sure 

 because of the drift. Early to-day he saw the sure 

 prints, and later the Deer himself browsing with two 

 does, where the wind had bared the grass." 



" Deer were plenty all along here and over toward 

 the farm in my father's day," said the Doctor ; "it will 

 be wonderful if they are straying back again from 

 some overcrowded feeding ground." 



"Perhaps they have run away from a Menagerie," 

 suggested Nat. 



"I think not," said the Doctor ; "it is evidently a 

 little family party starting off to explore for itself. 

 At any rate we will not welcome them with bullets in 

 the usual fashion, but after making sure of their where- 

 abouts leave them in peace." 



" Who knows, Nez, but we may be able to turn your 

 bit of woods here into a place for preserving and pro- 



