But strong as the moose was, its time had come. Suddenly the animal
stopped, gave a scream that made the blood curdle in all our veins, and
would have sunk out of sight only that, with a last desperate effort,
Ramrod got up with it, and this time succeeded in throwing the halter
over its head and drawing the noose tight.
[Sidenote: An Upset]
Thoroughly exhausted as the moose appeared to be, this act of Ramrod's
roused it to make one more effort for life and freedom. Turning quickly
about and snorting furiously, it made for its assailant, and before
Ramrod could check it had capsized the boat and sent that worthy head
over heels into the water.
Presence of mind is a splendid quality, and Ramrod possessed it to the
full. Retaining his hold of the halter, he endeavoured to right the
boat, but soon perceiving the impossibility of so doing, he relinquished
the attempt, and being a good swimmer, boldly struck out for the island,
that being the nearest land.
Refreshed by his involuntary bath, and not yet feeling the effects of
the cold, Ramrod made no doubt but that he should easily accomplish the
task.
As for the moose, it was completely done up, and was now no more trouble
than a log of wood. The effort by which it had overturned the boat was
the last it made, and its captor was now quietly towing it ashore.
But cold water does not agree with all constitutions, especially if the
body has been fatigued and heated before its application.
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