44 " UNACCOUNTABLES " AND OTHER SHOTS 



it hold in place. Once in a while a gun would 

 burst from the ball sticking along the barrel, but 

 considering the number of these guns in use and 

 the quantity of shots fired, it is surprising that 

 this did not happen oftener. An Indian family 

 was camped in our vicinity, and as we were all 

 short of meat, I got the old man and his two sons 

 to join in the hunt. There was a small lake near 

 the mountain where the caribou were, with a long 

 narrow gorge leading down to the main river. It 

 was decided that I was to take my stand at the 

 entrance of this coulee, my brother and the three 

 Indians were to surround them on the opposite 

 side, and if possible, get a shot or drive them on 

 to the lake in my direction. Guns were cleaned, 

 snowshoe strings examined, and everything got 

 ready for an early start. I had a long detour to 

 make, so started early in order to take my posi- 

 tion, before the game was started. I selected a 

 good place, about ten yards from the middle of 

 the gorge, tramping tne snow down carefully so 

 as to have a secure footing. After a time I heard 

 two shots; then three more. "Confound them," 

 I thought, "there won't be any left for me." I 

 was soon re-assured, however, as I saw the three 

 caribou coming at full speed on the lake. I had 

 loaded my gun, as described, made sure the prim- 

 ing was good, and stood ready. The big male 

 was leading with a yearling right alongside ol 

 him. I waited until they were both in line, aimed 



