They watched the pack swim to the shore, and noted that they came out at some little distance from the spot where the buck had left the water.
“That’s going to delay them still more,” announced Tom; “they’ve lost the scent, and will have to chase up and down hunting for it.”
Sure enough the hounds ran first one way with their noses to the ground, then doubled back. It was several minutes before a triumphant yelp announced that they had finally struck the lost trail.
“There they go with a rush!” said Josh, as the pack was seen to start off, following the course taken by the deer.
Their eager yelps became less distinct as they skirted around the foot of Big Bear Mountain.
“Well, that was a queer happening, wasn’t it?” said Tom, as they prepared to resume their fishing, which had been so singularly interrupted.
“It’ll make an interesting event for your note book, Tom,” declared Felix.
“A deer is seldom seen around this region,” Josh ventured to say; “which makes our luck all the more remarkable. I wouldn’t have missed that sight for a good deal!”
“I saw Stanley Ackerman using his camera, so let’s hope he got a bunch of snapshots that’ll show the whole circus,” Felix announced.
“How about allowing dogs to roam the woods up here, Tom; isn’t it against the law in this State nowadays?” Josh asked.