l86 ADVENTURES OF DR. ALLEN. 



I managed to keep upon my feet until exhausted. Finally I 

 was compelled to sit down upon a rock for a few moments' 

 rest. Deep-cut canyons, filled with dark green pines, sur- 

 rounded by massive walls of gray granite, were yawning in 

 the broad noonday light. 



A bald eagle, looking as if perched on air, was high 

 above me in the heavens, sailing with pinions spread, while 

 not a quiver or motion of his body was perceptible. As 

 though he would fain express his scorn for a creature so far 

 beneath him, he looked down upon me. Suddenly he bent 

 his body earthward, clapped his, wings close to his sides, and 

 came down within one hundred yards. Around and around 

 me he sailed, apparently contemplating the advisability of 

 descending upon me. He paused over my head, scanning 

 the rocks upon which I sat, taking in my position before he 

 should gather me in his talons. The temptation to conquer 

 this proud bird was too strong to be resisted. The power 

 which held him in space was quickly terminated by a ball 

 from my rifle, and he fell to the earth with a force that split 

 his body in twain. 



The effects produced by a single rifle-shot in an unhab- 

 ited region are wonderful. While the report was echoing 

 from canyon to canyon, ravens screamed, the mountain 

 thrush chattered in his tree, while the squirrels scampered 

 from branch to branch, frisking their tails and chattering in 

 chorus. All were intent upon seeing the intruder and deter- 

 mining what was meant by the unusual commotion. A large 

 bull elk, either fearing for his own safety or curious to learn 

 the cause of the disturbance, came rushing up the canyon, 

 tearing through the small trees and bushes with his horns 

 as he leaped through the air. Anxious to convert him into 

 meat for my own use, I gave him a hasty shot. Alas! he 

 heeded not the summons, but increased his speed, leaving a 

 trail of blood to mark his course. 



