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Carrying the Boats: Moose-power

The Moose could be heard crashing through the brush. Stimulated by the sport and by the fresh morning air, the men fairly astonished themselves with their own running. but his strength overmatched theirs.

One of the other boats now came up and made fast to the same rope, but the Moose took them both along at the same rate. "Well, let him go, if he's determined to!" cried Chase. "Let him swim, and Over logs, through brush and bushes, we'll ride." In fact, they were all about across bog-holes and sloughs, on they tired enough to rest; and since they could scrambled; and to drive him into the not stop the animal, they lay back and lake again they set up a chorus of shouts, enjoyed the ride. On went the Moose, up hoots, and unearthly yells, until the poor the lake, plunging through the water with Moose no doubt thought that pandemo- heavy kicks of its broad hoofs. nium had broken loose. He dashed back "Why, this is equal to steam-power!" and forth along the wooded shore. At exclaimed Sargent. length, hearing his pursuers closing in Indeed, the puffing and blowing of the about him, he took to the lake again, Moose forcibly reminded them of a and struck out with a tremendous splash- donkey-engine. The lookers-on from the ing. shore did not at once comprehend the sit- "There he goes! He's swimming for uation, Moose-power being such a novelty. the other shore! To the boats again!" The Moose swam with both boats as fast and his eager pursuers ran to re-embark. as a person could easily paddle a canoe. By the time they were fairly afloat, the By hauling on the line, either upon his Moose had got some distance from land, right or left side, the course of the animal but under the energetic strokes of Fred could be changed. For three miles the and the other guides, well seconded by the Moose forged ahead, the hunters riding amateurs, the distance was speedily short- serenely in his wake. The animal did not ened, although the Moose swam power- attempt to turn on them, as they had half fully, just showing its black head and expected he would, but seemed intent neck above water. Foot by foot they only upon getting away. Having thor. closed with him. oughly enjoyed the "ride," a sentiment of sympathy began to creep into the hearts of the sportsmen. "Look out-he may turn on you!" cautioned Haines.