George made another jab and brought up a good-sized sucker, which he was careful to shake into the box. A few moments later he speared an eel; but it was a large one, and he was unable to bring it to the surface. Ed instantly went to his assistance, and between them they managed to secure the prize. It was four feet or more in length and about four inches in circumference.
“You fellows keep sharp watch ahead; I’m traveling pretty close to shore. We don’t want to get hung up on a rock,” Ben warned.
“What’s that?” cried Ed, as an animal turned from the edge of the water and crashed away through the woods.
“Deer,” said the guide, quietly.
Then the very thing he had warned them against happened. The forward end of the raft ran on a submerged rock and stuck fast. The force of the impact threw Ed over backward into the fish-box, and George within an inch or two of the water. A veritable hail of sparks descended upon them, and, warned by a cry from the guide, George discovered that the wool lining of his hunting-coat was smoldering. Scrambling hastily to his feet, he shed the garment in record time, and soon extinguished the blaze.
It required much hard work to free the raft, and the boys worked desperately, for they felt guilty in having allowed the accident to happen. When they finally floated free and went ahead, they looked out more keenly, determined to guard against a repetition of the mishap.
They heard many strange sounds as they floated quietly along, preceded by the small circle of light from the roaring fire of snapping pine knots. The deep, animal-like baying of bullfrogs sounded from the center of the marshy swamp. Ducks were calling from the middle of the lake. Drowsy birds fluttered uncertainly from the tree-tops along the shore. Ben called their attention to the distant yapping of a fox. They heard deer or moose several times.
“Look!” cried George, pointing excitedly toward the edge of the forest. “What is it? Oh, see its eyes!”
“Quick, Ben, look at it—it’s moving!” said Ed, having caught sight of the two shining spots of bright green fire.
The guide laughed.