The next instant he slid forward on his face into the mushy, watery mass of melting snow which covered the ice. Soaked through, and almost blinded by the water in his eyes, he rose and ran after Ed, who was gaining somewhat on the animal in front.
Shorter and shorter grew the distance between pursuers and pursued. The latter did not seem fitted for fast work over the ice, and Ed finally came up with it. It turned on him threateningly and commenced to growl fiercely. Being unarmed, he jumped quickly to one side and called a timely warning to George.
“Be careful; he’s ugly!” cried Ed.
“What a funny-looking thing it is!” said George, suddenly halting.
Evidently satisfied that it had impressed the boys by its bold stand, the animal once more turned and started toward the shore. Ed ran forward instantly to intercept it, and this time it made a rush at him.
“Look out, there!” yelled George, running up behind it.
“It’s an otter!” declared Ed. “I’ve seen pictures of them, and I’ve read about them, too. They’re mighty savage customers when they get mad. Look out! He’s coming for you!”
Finding itself surrounded, the furious animal charged first one, then the other of its pursuers. The boys, with nothing to defend themselves, were obliged to retreat before each savage onslaught. When it had driven them back a few feet, the otter, for such it was, immediately turned and attempted to resume its flight. But each time it did so one of the lads invariably managed to intercept it.
“Tell you what we’ll do,” said Ed; “you stay here and prevent him from getting to shore, and I’ll run up and get the camera. We don’t wish to kill him, and if he should escape from you it won’t matter much.”
“He can’t get away,” declared George, confidently.