The Wapiti 189 



each strove mightily to overthrow the other, or get 

 past his guard; but the branching antlers caught 

 every vicious lunge and thrust. This set-to was 

 stopped rather curiously. One of the onlooking elk 

 was a yearling ; the other, though scarcely as heavy- 

 bodied as either of the fighters, had a finer head. 

 He was evidently much excited by the battle, and 

 he now began to walk toward the two comba- 

 tants, nodding his head and uttering a queer, whist- 

 ling noise. They dared not leave their flanks un- 

 covered to his assault; and as he approached they 

 promptly separated, and walked off side by side a 

 few yards apart. In a moment, however, one spun 

 round and jumped at his old adversary, seeking 

 to stab him in his unprotected flank; but the latter 

 was just as quick, and as before caught the rush 

 on his horns. They closed as furiously as ever; 

 but the utmost either could do was to inflict one 

 or two punches on the neck and shoulders of his 

 foe, where the thick hide served as a shield. Again 

 the peacemaker approached, nodding his head, whist- 

 ling, and threatening; and again they separated. 



This was repeated once or twice; and I began 

 to be afraid lest the breeze, which was very light 

 and puffy, should shift and give them my wind. 

 So, resting my rifle on my knee I fired twice, put- 

 ting one bullet behind the shoulder of the peace- 

 maker, and the other behind the shoulder of one 

 of the combatants. Both were deadly shots, but, as 



