CHAPTER VII.

THE UNWELCOME GUEST.


Max saw what had happened in that one glance he took.

Steve had met his deer at last; and sure enough it was a sturdy buck that
had five prongs to his antlers, showing his years.

Whatever upset Steve could only be guessed; but although he had certainly
sent in two shots he had failed to bag the game.

Perhaps he wounded the deer with the first shot and the animal had
fallen. Flushed with triumph, Steve had given a yell and started to
hasten toward his quarry with the intention of bleeding it, as he
understood should be done.

Then, when the buck scrambled to his feet, and charged straight at the
young hunter, Steve had been so rattled that he missed entirely with his
second shot.

After that it was run or take to a tree for Steve.

And sheltered behind an oak, around which he had been chased again and
again by the angry buck, Steve had seen his chum appear in sight.

It was then he shouted his warning.