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Updated: June 22, 2025
"Down to your places!" sternly spoke Mustagan. And hardly a moment passed ere the herd of deer flew by, some of them so close to the hidden hunters that they could almost have touched them with their guns.
Perhaps he has made even the wild animals of the forest to be their guardian angels." Frank, Alec, and Sam had listened to Mustagan with bated breath. As Alec said afterward: "My heart seemed to stop beating while I listened."
In the morning, after an early breakfast, the whole party set off for the great pondlike morass that extended for miles. Numerous tracks of wild animals were seen, and Mustagan pointed out to the boys not only those of some wild cats, but also a number of those made by the great feet of the wolverines, as these latter animals are as fond of muskrats as are any other.
So the search for the young moose immediately began, and although it was prosecuted with a good deal of vigour, still not a sign of the young animals was discovered. At length Mustagan, who had watched the younger members of the party at work, said: "You want to see those calves quick, just wait." Quietly taking up one of the birch-bark horns, he began softly blowing into it.
Then this Mustagan was the old Cree Indian who found the silver spoons and other remains of Sir John Franklin among the Eskimos. Their recovery gave the final definite knowledge of the tragic ending of that memorable expedition.
The mournful sounds at length died away, and the men again went to sleep. As they were retiring Mustagan told the boys that the steam would be going best just after sunrise, and so they had better all be up early and, after a good warm cup of tea and something to eat, be off to see it and then return to breakfast. Then he said, "After that we will find out what makes the steam."
This was terrible news; and only Indians that have such perfect control over themselves could have heard it without making an outcry. As it was, Mustagan had to utter some warning words to maintain the perfect silence that was desired.
He determined to put his long experience with these birds against their cleverness, and it was interesting to watch the contest between him and them. For a time his efforts met with complete failure, and the birds fairly outwitted him. Mustagan, however, was not discouraged, and he resolved on one more effort to succeed.
This generous contribution would also meet with much approval, for the beat's paws are likewise among the great delicacies of the country. Mustagan would speak next, and would say; "I know where there is a large beaver house, and I will give five beavers and ten tails."
The desolate land seemed to be much more so by the apparent entire absence of life. Selecting a favourable spot, they all landed, and then, while some of the Indians made a fire and prepared the supper, Mr Ross, with Frank, Alec, Sam, and Mustagan, visited the scene of the great fight.
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