Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-03-11
A DARING GUIDE

Bob, Minnesota guide. has perform
ed the difficult feat of riding a can
tankerous moose through the waters of
northern lake and lives to tell the
tale. So does the moose and so does
string OF moving picture films.
The little baby that was the scene
of this adventure lay crescent shaped
the two points curving inward toward
each other, SO that thu gateway out
to deep water was only a little more
than a quarter of a mile wide. One
OF the points was a long sand pit
bordered by reeds and lily pads grow
ing in shallow water. The other point
had fallen away into a tumble of big
rocks that lay half in. and half out
Of the water and furnished excellent
cover for two canoes that held the
stalking party.
Here they lay In wait for the shad-
ows. Bob's plan was that one canoe
should head off the moose and pre-
vent his gaining the shallow water
and the shore. They were to drive him
out, If possible, through the water
gate, or at least to engage him i'm
a long and muscle wearing swim, and
when the right time came Bob plann-
ed to approach in his canoe and per-
form his feat.
1t was with a thrill OF excitement that
the watcher saw the bushes sway in
shore, and heard the snap of dry
twigs. Presently the moose appeared
muzzling among the reeds and splash
ing along the margin of the bay. He
seemed to feel that all was not as
usual for every few minutes he paus-
ed and gazed around; but as the
canoes were down wind, he did not
scent the men, and seeing nothing
wrong. he dropped to feeding again.
Cautiously, and with no noise, the
canoe glided out like a cloud shadow.
Every time the moose's muzzle went
under, the skillful paddler worked
silently forward, and when his head
came up, the paddle paused silver
wet, dripping and motionless. So the
canoe worked to within 500 yards of
the brute, when at last some sound
or scent OF man touched the hair-trig-
ger OF his instinct and. with start
led snort, whirl and splash, he turned
and faced the enemy.
Instantly bow and stern dug in furi-
ously with the paddles, the canoe
leaped forward and the chase began.
With even and powerful strokes the
moose struck out for the opposite
shore, since the pursuers had cut in
behind him and prevented his return
10 the sand pit. After him churned
the flying craft.
The canoe that had done the first
maneuvering now dropped out OF the
game and Bob's canoe took up the
pursuit Steadily II overhauled the
animal; 100 feet, so. 10 and now the
bow nearly brushed the creatures
velvet. Bob stood up, poised an in
slant and sprang lightly. For a mo-
ment a smother spray concealed the
chief actors. Then Bob reappeared,
gripping with his bent knees. He had
sliced an ear In each hand.
Mr.. Moose shut off the power all
at once and started to buck desper-
ately.
A moose is no master Of the art of
bucking, however, so he gave over
trying to kick his rider, and changed
his tactics. He now shook himself
making the water boil, and then. with
snort, dived below! But plucky Bob
hung on and when the moose rose, he
was still astride, clinging TO the ant
lers now, and sticking like grim death.
Again and again, animal and rider
plunged under, but as the moose came
up Bob waved his sopping feet to
show that he was still master Of the
situation.
~"Whatll l do with him now?" shout
ed Bob to the canoes, in the conf
dence OF one who has conquered his
mount.
The films are all gone" replied
the operator. Might as we'll let him
go or he'll be all in"