Krag, the Kootenay Ram 



felt as no man can comprehend who has not 

 lost a noble Dog by a sudden, tragic, and un- 

 timely end. 



"Bran! Rollo! Ida!" he called in lingering 

 hope ; but the only response was from the West- 

 ern Wind, that " snoofed " and whistled as it 

 swept down Skinkler's Gulch. 



XV 



Lee was a young, warm-hearted, impulsive 

 cattle-man. For a day or two he hung about 

 the shanty. The loss of his three friends was 

 a sad blow : he had no heart for more moun- 

 taineering. But a few days later a spell of 

 bracing weather helped his spirits, and he 

 agreed when Scotty suggested a hunt. They 

 reached the upper level, when Scotty, who had 

 from time to time been scanning the hills with 

 his glass, suddenly exclaimed : 



" H— 1! If thar ain't the old Gunder Ram. 

 Thought he was smashed in Skinkler's Gulch! " 

 and he sat down in amazement. Lee took the 

 glass, and he recognized the wonderful Ram by 

 his superb horns. The color rushed to the young 



75 



