CHAPTER XIX
A DANGEROUS DEER HUNT
"Deer!" came from the others.
"Let me get a shot at 'em," added Whopper, excitedly. "That's what
I came for—-to bring down a dozen deer or so!"
"Make it two or three dozen, Whopper," answered Snap. "What would you do with a dozen in this warm weather?"
"Send 'em down to the poor folks of the town."
The announcement that deer were in that vicinity thrilled all the young hunters, and they at once resolved to go ashore and see if they could not bring down the game.
"Let us go back a bit," suggested Shep. "We don't want this breeze to carry our scent to them. If it does, they'll be off like a shot."
The others knew that the doctor's son spoke the truth, and so the Snapper was turned around, and they went ashore at a point where the trees were thick. Snap carried the rifle and the others had their shotguns, and all looked to the firearms to be sure they were in condition for immediate use. With great care the four boys started to stalk the deer, as it is called. Snap led the way, and never was an Indian hunter more careful of his steps. He knew that the deer's ears were wide open for any unusual sound and even the cracking of a dry stick would attract their attention.
The journey over the rocks and through the timber was a laborious one. In some spots the undergrowth was so thick that further progress seemed, at first, impossible. Once Giant got caught so completely that the others had to help him free himself. Hardly a word was uttered, and then only in the faintest of whispers.