THE LONE BULL OF SANDY LAKE 237 



dead branches. We both had " bellows to mend " be- 

 fore the journey was half over. Three times we left 

 the ridge, and went down near to the water. 



The first view we had of the bull through the trees 

 showed us that he was even a larger, finer specimen 

 than we had realized when seen from the boat. The 

 second time we neared the water's edge, he was just 

 entering the dense woods, and only his rump was vis- 

 ible. The third time he was out of sight altogether. 



We still " plugged " on, panting and blowing like 

 horses pulling a heavy load up-hill. Soon we came in 

 sight of a little cove with a large log lying at the back 

 of it, and this seemed a good cover behind which to 

 hide. 



When we got to the log our feelings may be im- 

 agined upon seeing that the bull had again come out of 

 the woods, and was placidly looking in our direction. 

 I waited just a minute or two to get quieted down, as 

 my heart was pumping like a trip-hammer. Kibbee 

 said the distance was two hundred yards, although an 

 examination next day showed it to be over three hun- 

 dred, but the fading light was so deceptive that I 

 thought I had better shoot for the top of his back. 



Taking as steady aim as I could for the upper part 

 of the shoulder, the bullet sped on its way. But it was 

 a clean miss. As it did not strike the water, I thought 

 perhaps it had gone under him, so I elevated a little 

 more and fired ; but still no hit. 



