126 IBEX SHOOTING 



which undoubtedly is, to move as slowly 

 as possible. Now the bead covers him, 

 and it is hard even now to refrain from 

 fluking the whole thing and pulling the 

 trigger ! However, as a matter of fact, one 

 presses the trigger slowly, carefully. No 

 resting the rifle on a rock this time ; head 

 cool, hand steady, a steady and increasing 

 strain on the trigger, and . . . bang ! 



The next thing visible was the ibex 

 bounding down the hill. I let fly another 

 shot, splash went the bullet within an inch 

 of him. Then another fine chap passed me 

 like a flash, and I had a try at him, but the 

 bullet struck a little low ; then a glimpse of 

 yet another as he stood startled on a crag a 

 hundred yards off. A steady aim this time, 

 and just as I pressed the trigger he was 

 gone, and though the bullet sped, I knew 

 it was too late. " Never mind, sahib," 

 said Lassoo, " you have got one." " No," 

 I said, "I'm afraid I have not, as I saw 

 every bullet as it hit, but I can't understand 

 missing that first one." Lassoo pointed 



