THE BIGHORN IN THE SNOW 73 



time instinct was demanding that he retreat. 

 For a time I held him through interest and curi- 

 osity, but presently he backed off a few steps. 

 Again I slowly advanced and steadily assured 

 him in the universal language tone that all 

 was well. Though not alarmed, he moved off 

 at right angles, apparently with the intention 

 of walking around me. I advanced at an 

 angle to intercept him. With this move on 

 my part, he stopped to stare for a moment, 

 then turned and started away. 



I started after him at full speed. He, too, 

 speeded, but with snowshoes I easily circled 

 him. He quickly saw the folly of trying to 

 outrun me; and if he did not accept the situation 

 with satisfaction, as I think he did, he certainly 

 took things philosophically. He climbed upon 

 a snow-draped boulder and posed as proudly 

 as a Greek god. Then he stared at me. 



Presently he relaxed and showed a friendly 

 interest. I then advanced and formally in- 

 troduced myself, accompanying my movements 

 with rapid comment and chatter. I asked him 

 if he was glad to be alive, asked his opinion 

 concerning the weather, the condition of his 

 flock, and finally, told him that game preserves 

 was one of my hobbies, and in such refuges I 

 trusted he had a deep interest. All this, 

 while within a few yards of him and in a most 



