Then, as if conscious for the first time of danger, the moose wheeled sharply about and made for the shore as fast as his exhausted condition would permit.
In an instant, Dick had raised his rifle, and, seeing this, Hank Merwin lowered his own.
"At him, lad; and shoot straight," he encouraged.
There was a flash and a report—the moose fell backward on his haunches.
"I've got him!" yelled Dick, in great excitement.
But, almost as he spoke, there was a floundering in the water; the wounded and enraged animal staggered to his feet and charged directly for the boat.
It was a critical moment.
But Hank Merwin did not lose his head. With a quick stroke, he sent the craft forward, and, as he turned it, the rays of the jacklight swept past the charging moose to the shore beyond.
"He's coming right for us!" yelled Dick, in terror.
"Don't none of yer shoot," commanded the trapper, sharply.