"No, but there are the tracks, as plain as day!"

Whopper was right, the deer tracks were there, although partly covered
by the falling snow. At the sight of them the spirits of the boy
hunters arose wonderfully. They forgot how tired they were, and pushed
forward at a faster gait than ever before.

"Won't we surprise them when we come back with such game!" said Shep.

"I think so, Shep. They didn't really think we'd get anything,"
answered Whopper.

On and on went the boys, the trail of the deer becoming plainer at
every step. They did not notice how much ground they were covering nor
in what direction they were moving. They had "deer fever" and had it
hard.

Presently they came to the top of the rise of ground. Beyond was a
patch of scrub timber, where, years before, a forest fire had wiped
out the best of the trees. Looking ahead they saw four deer walking
slowly along near some brushwood.

"There they are!" cried Shep, and brought his gun around for use.

At that moment the deer turned partly around and looked squarely at
the boys. They were evidently taken completely by surprise and their
heads went up high as they discovered the enemy. Then, without further
hesitation they leaped forward, toward the dense timber ahead.

Bang! went Shep's shotgun, and crack! came the sharp report of