He anticipated no trouble in paddling alongside while it was swimming, and putting the knife into its throat.

When the buck discovered the pursuer it redoubled its efforts to reach the shore, but Paul was faster and was soon close on the antlered beauty.

As he raised the knife to stab, the deer also raised and struck viciously with its front feet, and Paul barely dodged the blow which would have cut through the rubber suit like a keen edged knife.

Again and again did he try to get an opening for a thrust, and as often did the deer, with eyes blazing like a panther's, beat him away with its sharp hoofs.

At last Boyton concluded to follow if to the edge of the river, where he felt sure his game would sink in the mud and then become an easy victim.