IBEX-STALKING IN ANTIMILO 253 



whether we could have launched our boat through 

 the big rollers which boomed incessantly against the 

 rocky shore. The wind gave no promise of cessation, 

 and yet Tuesday was the very last day on which 

 we must cross if we were to catch the Panhellenion 

 on her weekly trip. 



Monday was, for the purpose of putting to sea, 

 a hopeless day, and the wind and rain beating on 

 the tent made us little inclined to the early rising 

 which is the rule in hunting camps. However, my 

 companion had to go with the younger shepherd to 

 bring in his ibex, so I determined to try my luck 

 again with the elder man to make things easier for 

 me by carrying my rifle and rucksack. When, how- 

 ever, at a quarter to nine, I was ready to start with 

 Giorgio, he was not to be found, so I shouldered my 

 impedimenta and started alone. 



I made for the southern end of the island, and then 

 worked along the western side, carefully spying every 

 corrie and gully on my way, but in vain. At last 

 I came in sight of the peninsula I have before 

 mentioned. 



This particular spot seems to have no attractions 

 for the ibex ; but the long and rather broad valley 

 which leads down to it from the very top of the 

 island has, for I have repeatedly noticed them there, 

 so I made my way carefully to a rocky ridge over- 

 looking this, and almost immediately had the glass 

 on six ibex, one being a fine grey fellow with a 

 distinct shoulder stripe. There was no chance of 

 getting in at them where they were, so I sat down 

 behind a big rock and ate my lunch, though it was 

 only twelve o'clock. Just as I had finished they 

 moved off to my left. I waited till I had seen the 



