THE ANTELOPE 237 



four white mules. As we travelled rapidly over the 

 plain, just outside the timber, on the north bank of the 

 Yellowstone River, two antelopes came galloping 

 toward us, stopping occasionally, and then galloping 

 alongside, at some distance, but gradually coming near. 

 General Baldwin told our driver to drive slowly, 

 while he took down a light Winchester, removed the 

 case and loaded it. As we moved slowly, the antelopes 

 came closer and closer, and finally, with a graceful 

 run, came within a few feet of us, gazing with their 

 large, expressive eyes at our mules and again at us. 

 At a shot from the captain one of the animals fell 

 badly wounded and the other scampered off unharmed 

 by the numerous balls sent after it from the repeat- 

 ing rifle. A second shot despatched the wounded 

 animal, which was bleating loudly, much to the dis- 

 tress of the ladies as well as myself. Our driver got 

 down and threw our game in the boot and we drove 

 on down the valley, shortly afterward engaging in the 

 buffalo-run, which I have already described. 



The traveller who journeys in the valley of the lower 

 Yellowstone to-day may hardly expect to see a living 

 animal on this same ground. 



Our antelope-shooting upon this trip consisted for 

 the most part of shots now and then when on the 

 march or when out after buffaloes or other game. When 

 we went out especially to shoot antelopes we found 

 them difficult to approach. Although they were often 

 overcome by curiosity, and, as T have said, came quite 

 close to examine strange objects, they seemed always 

 aware that we meant them harm when we tried to stalk 

 them, and having once seen us, were wild and wary. 



