i 9 S AFTER WILD SHEEP IN THE ALTAI 



and head, which he swayed from one side to another, 

 feeling evidently restless and uncomfortable. Leaving 

 Lepet in his commanding position, I scrambled down 

 the steep cliff and advanced along the plateau, keep- 

 ing out of sight of the beast. It took me half an 

 hour to creep within range of him. As I looked 

 back I could see Lepet on the sky-line intent upon 

 my proceedings, and thereby gathered that every- 

 thing was right, when suddenly the sheep got up 

 and gave me an easy broadside shot. A second after 

 he fell motionless to the ground. I found him to be 

 an old veteran of his kind. His horns taped fairly 

 well (51 inches length by \$>\ inches girth), though 

 both tips were unfortunately broken off. To my 

 astonishment Daniel made his appearance with the 

 ponies before Lepet had time to come up. The 

 rascal had been unable to subdue his sporting pro- 

 clivities, and had been stalking on his own account, 

 thus running the risk of spoiling all. He con- 

 gratulated me so warmly that I refrained from invino- 

 vent to my discontent, and we shook hands in a most 

 friendly manner. When my hunter arrived we joined 

 our efforts to grallock the dead ram, and cut him up 

 in quarters. Daniel with his red gown, tucked-up 

 sleeves, showing his blood-smeared arms, presented 

 the dismal look of an executioner in the Middle 



