4*4 



DICK BROWNELL'S LAST EXPLOIT IN INDIA. 



one of the herd came to a halt for a brief consultation. While the members of the 

 bull's family seemed to believe their short run had taken them beyond all danger, 

 the head of the household was not satisfied. He stood on the edge of the water, 

 looV ; -g doubtfully at the others, including the baby elephant, that were sporting 

 in the same frolicsome fashion as before. 



" We couldn't have a better chance," whispered 

 Dick, leaning his gun against a tree and stealing 

 carefully forward. 



The head of the gigantic bull was turned away, 

 and, provided he maintained that posture, it was 

 clear that the golden opportunity which the hunters 

 coveted was at their command. 

 It was necessary to approach 

 the animal from the rear, and, 

 above all things, it must be 

 done without detection. 



Dick BrownelPs ardor was 

 the only thing to be feared, 

 and his companion cautioned 

 mm several times. 



The bull, however, did 

 not remain motionless. He 

 showed his suspicious mood, 

 while standing with his face 

 toward the pool, by occasion- 

 ally turning his head as if to 

 guard against the very peril 

 that now threatened him. Dick kept his eyes fixed on the fellow, while stealing 

 toward him in a crouching position, and, whenever the head moved, the lad not 

 only stopped, but sank down on his face, to wait until the huge front swung away 

 again. 



For one instant both he and Mr. Godkin thought it was all up. The bull turned 

 partly round, and stared so long over the back trail that they were sure he had dis- 

 covered them. 



Mr. Godkin held his rifle ready, for he did not mean to be caught at a disad- 

 vantage if their prize turned upon them, as he was likely to do in case of discovery. 

 But the head went back, and once more the hunters resumed their stealthy 

 advance. 



Ten minutes later Dick had "crossed the Rubicon," that is, he had gone so 

 far as to be unable to withdraw without discovery. 



Mr. Godkin stopped his own advance a couple of rods away, for there was no 

 call for him to go farther : everything now depended on the lad. 



But the gentleman had one end of the rubber rope in his hand. Settfng down 



THE CRITICAL MOMENT. 



