214 



THE SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE; 



never moved from the spot where she was standing when 

 young Ross fired his first shot ; when unable to stand 

 longer she fell on the opposite side of a log and was thus 

 lost to his view. The captain glanced momentarily at the 

 dead animal, raised his head to survey the surroundings, 

 discovered the old bull which I had mortally wounded, and 

 instantly exclaimed, "See the old monster!" This was 

 the signal for a new start; our party rushed forward until 

 we were within about twelve feet of this animal's head, 

 which he now lowered, and at the same time uttered a low 

 bellow that greatly resembled the angry threatenings of 

 an enraged bull. The captain instantly caught hold of my 

 arm, as if to keep me from danger, but I scarcely think 

 this precaution was necessary, since I had already observed 

 the angry warnings given by the old forest king. 



The captain having warned me of the danger, now 

 leaped into the air, danced like a school-boy, seized me 

 by the hand, offered his congratulations, while his face was 

 wreathed in joyous smiles. 



The scenes enacted here reminded me of those which 

 I had witnessed many years ago on the battle-fields during 

 the war of the Rebellion, when the staid generals became 

 boys once more after gaining important victories. Well do 

 I still remember the many manifestations of joy which fol- 

 lowed Sheridan's victory at Cedar Creek, Virginia. Gen- 

 erals Sheridan, Custer, Torbert, and many other gallant 

 officers in the Federal army were boys that day, when they 

 learned the extent of their victory. It is hoped that the 

 reader will pardon this wide digression from our subject 

 and return with me to the summit of the hill in that grand 



