200 THE SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE. 



me, until they began to move ; and then it was only a few 

 seconds until their bodies seemed like shadows flying 

 through the woods, on account of the rapidity of their 

 movements. The fact that the captain was the best rifle- 

 shot in our party had been already conceded. We all 

 recognized his ability, including both the accuracy and 

 rapidity with which his shots were delivered. Neither was 

 he ignorant of his prowess, or in the least averse to chaffing 

 those who might not possess his skill ; consequently I had 

 determined, prior to our departure from our camp, near 

 Sugar Bush Lake, that I would give him the doubtful shots 

 and take the more certain ones. The reader should now 

 remember that the captain is not provided with a rifle ; but 

 I now acted promptly on my conservative resolution and 

 quickly passed him my Ballard rifle, saying, "Take the 

 shot ! Fire away !" He seized the gun and instantly fired. 

 Another cartridge is placed in position and quickly dis- 

 charged at the retreating herd. The Ballard is dropped 

 to the ground and the captain shouted to his nephew, 

 " Give me your Winchester !" This request was promptly 

 complied with ; the captain was now in the possession of 

 the desired rifle with a full magazine, and instantly started 

 on a full run after the game. Behold his rapid strides ! 

 The best Indian runner would have been distanced by him 

 in this chase. George has caught up my rifle ; we both 

 follow at our best speed ; he leads us from the start and 

 gains on us rapidly ; bang ! bang ! goes the captain's rifle 

 while he is still running. He had run about eight hundred 

 yards, when he suddenly stopped, raised his gun, and de- 

 liberately took aim, firing four shots during this halt. 



