432 THE STORY OF THE MUSK-OX. 



the man or beast who, under such circumstances, might come within reach 

 of their broad horns or hard hoofs. 



One of them — the oldest of the herd — places himself in front, like a 

 general at the head of his army, and advances cautiously to reconnoitre the 

 enemy, watching attentively each least movement on the part of the hunters. 

 This survey being accomplished, he retires to his post, and awaits the 

 attack. Then it is that this animal appears in all his majestic beauty, and, 

 when the hunter finds himself for the first time in his presence, he must 

 muster up his courage and strengthen his nerves. 



But, although seemingly so terrible, these animals, either stupid or over- 

 confident in their strength, allow the hunters to approach within a short 

 distance, and then, at the first gunshot, the whole herd takes flight, aban- 

 doning the dead and the wounded. I have often seen five or six hunters 

 destroy a herd of a score of them. On one occasion only have I seen one 

 of these animals charge; it is true that the poor beast had twelve bahs in his 

 body, and, being unable to fly, he defended himself to the last moment. 



Another time I found them of a different temper. Singling one of the 

 herd, I sent three bullets into him, but the ox, instead of flight, turned on 

 me, followed by the herd, and I owed my safety entirely to a large fragment 

 of rock, behind which I took refuge, the animal's head coming in contact 

 with it with a force so prodigious that he was actually thrown upon his 

 haunches. 



