THE ANTLERS OF THE CARIBOU 91 



soned wood. Being of about equal size, both 

 withstood the shock. Both staggered ; but, 

 recovering themselves instantly, they stood 

 pushing with all the strength of their straining, 

 heaving bodies, their hoofs digging deep into 

 the sand. 



Then, on a sudden, as if the same idea had 

 at the same instant flashed into both their 

 seething brains, they disengaged and jumped 

 backwards, like wary fencers. 



For several tense seconds they stood eyeing 

 each other, antlers down, while the big-eyed 

 cows, with ears slowly waving, looked on 

 placidly, and the moon, now full risen, flooded 

 the whole scene with lavish radiance. The 

 only concern of the cows was that the best bull 

 should win, with proved mastery compelling 

 their allegiance. 



Suddenly the new-comer, the dark bull, as 

 if to get around his adversary's guard, feinted 

 to the right, and then lunged straight forward. 

 But the white bull was too experienced to be 

 caught by such a well-worn ruse. He met 

 the attack fairly. Again the antlers clashed. 

 Again those monstrous pantings and savage 

 grun tings arose on the stillness, as the matched 

 antagonists heaved and pushed, their hind 

 legs straddled awkwardly and their hoofs 

 ploughing the sand. 



