As we ran
towards the other men I noticed a peculiar smile on their faces,
which had in it a touch of superiority. I understood in part when
I turned, for the caribou had stopped their advance, and were again
standing watching us. Now the others started towards the herd.
Emboldened by their courage, and thinking that perhaps they held
the charm that would make a close approach to the herd possible, I
accompanied them. Strange to relate it was but a few minutes till
we were all getting back to the canoes, and we did not again
attempt to brave their battle front. We and the caribou stood
watching each other for some time. Then the caribou began to run
from either extreme of the herd, some round the south end of the
hill, and the others away to the north, the line of stags still
maintaining their position.
After watching them for some time we again entered the canoes. A
short paddle carried us round the point beyond which the lake bent
to the northwest, and there we saw them swimming across the lake.
Three-quarters of a mile out was an island, a barren ridge standing
out of the water, and from mainland to island they formed as they
swam a broad unbroken bridge; from the farther end of which they
poured in steady stream over the hill-top, their flying forms
clearly outlined against the sky.
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