Finally his legs stiffened and refused to work, and, feeling himself sinking, George clutched frantically at a bush and held to it with a grip of despair. It was anchored to a large piece of floating bog. Although the insecure platform would not support him, it kept the lad from sinking into the depths of the pool.
For what seemed hours George hung suspended in the water-hole. His calls brought no response, and he determined to fire the danger-signal.
He listened fearfully as the reports thundered across the marsh, for he believed he had spoiled all chance of getting the moose. But, as the wind blew from the wrong direction to carry the sound to his friends, George doubted if either they or the moose had heard his desperate appeal.
Then the alarming possibility that perhaps Ben and Ed had also fallen into the bog presented itself. The mere suggestion of such a catastrophe sickened him. He realized that unless help came soon it would be too late. The water was benumbing his entire body, and it was with the greatest difficulty that he retained his death-like hold on the saving bush. With all the power of his lungs he gave a last despairing cry. Then he felt himself slowly sinking into the icy water.
But suddenly there was an answering yell from Ben, and, rousing himself, George saw the guide leaping over the marsh with a long pole on his shoulder. Behind him came Ed, also carrying a pole.
When he arrived at the edge of the treacherous bog, Ben reached forward with the extended pole, while he held fast to the other pole which Ed, his feet braced against a tree, clung to with all his might. The end of the sapling just came within reach, and George grasped it with stiffened fingers and endeavored to aid Ben, who was struggling desperately to drag him from the water. The guide put all of his strength into the effort, and George rose slowly from the hole and was dragged over, under, and through the wet mass beneath him to firm ground.
His rescuers at once set to work rubbing and kneading his cramped muscles, until they had partially restored circulation. Then they led him rapidly over the marsh and into the shelter of the woods. Ben quickly kindled a fire, and compelled George to sit near it until he was well dried and thoroughly warmed.
When the lad had fully recovered, the guide congratulated him on his narrow escape, and commended him for his presence of mind in keeping possession of his rifle.
George apologized for having fired the shots, and said he supposed he had ruined all chances of getting the moose.
Ben and Ed looked at each other, and laughed heartily. Then they rose and asked him to follow them into the woods. There before him was the body of the moose. George, delighted, looked from one to the other for an explanation. Ben told him that both bullets had taken deadly effect, and the bull had succumbed to internal wounds.