102 THE AMERICAN MOOSE 



As a result, if one found a track whose freshness 

 gave any sort of promise, he was incHned to make 

 the most of it. 



When first seen the track was nearly two days 

 old. The hoof-prints were not those of a moose 

 which would break any records, but it was almost 

 the end of the season, and it would not do to be too 

 particular. After two hours or so the track was 

 much fresher, for several round beds in the snow 

 had been passed where the animal had lain to 

 rest and ruminate. The timber was open hard- 

 wood, and while the track seemed to be that of a 

 bull, the evidence was not conclusive, and the 

 desired evidence that a good pair of antlers was 

 waiting at the other end of the track was entirely 

 lacking. 



Dinner time came, with the convenient brook 

 for water. The dinner pack disclosed some slices 

 of venison steak and a small frypan — an unusual 

 utensil under the circumstances. 



"I guess we are booked for a cold lunch,"' 

 remarked the hunter, having in mind the com- 

 paratively fresh moose works. 



"0, he's three hours ahead of us!" said the 

 guide. "We may as well have some hot tea and 

 steak." 



While the guide was coaxing a fire out of two or 



