Those lying along the bank got up at sight of us, and withdrew
towards the great herd in rather leisurely manner, stopping now and
then to watch us curiously. When the herd was reached, and the
alarm given, the stags lined themselves up in the front rank and
stood facing us, with heads high and a rather defiant air. It was
a magnificent sight. They were in summer garb of pretty brown,
shading to light grey and white on the under parts. The horns were
in velvet, and those of the stags seemed as if they must surely
weigh down the heads on which they rested. It was a mixed company,
for male and female were already herding together. I started
towards the herd, kodak in hand, accompanied by George, while the
others remained at the shore. The splendid creatures seemed to
grow taller as we approached, and when we were within two hundred
and fifty yards of them their defiance took definite form, and with
determined step they came towards us.
The sight of that advancing army under such leadership, was
decidedly impressive, recalling vivid mental pictures made by tales
of the stampeding wild cattle in the west. It made one feel like
getting back to the canoe, and that is what we did.
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