and Mukoki had each killed two, and Wabi three, when the old warrior
stopped the fun.

"No waste too much shooting on ducks," he advised. "Need shells--big
game."

Several times during the morning the three rested from their
exertions, and at noon they ceased paddling for more than an hour
while they ate the generous dinner that had been put up for them at
Wabinosh House. The farther side of the lake was now plainly visible,
and when the journey was resumed all eyes eagerly sought for signs
of the mouth of the Ombabika, where their stirring adventures of the
winter before had begun. For some time Wabi's gaze had been fixed
upon a long, white rim along the shore, to which he now called his
companions' attention.

"It seems to be moving," he said, turning to Mukoki. "Is it
possible--" He paused doubtfully.

"What?" questioned Rod.

"That it's swans!" he completed.

"Swans!" cried the young hunter. "Great Scott, do you mean to say
there could be enough swans--"

"They sometimes cover the lake in thousands," said Wabi. "I have seen
them whitening the water as far as one could see."

"More swan as you count in twent' t'ous'nd year!" affirmed Mukoki.