SPORT AND TRAVEL 201 



nature of the surrounding country, Graham and I 

 both felt sure that the wapiti were either lying in 

 the shelter of this piece of timber (the highest in 

 this part of the mountains) or else that they had 

 crossed the ridge and descended into the valley 

 beyond. If they were in the timber and we ap- 

 proached it by following on their tracks, they were 

 bound either to get our wind or to see us as we 

 crossed the open ground. Indeed, they would prob- 

 ably have done both, and it was no doubt to guard 

 against being followed that they had chosen this spot 

 in which to pass the day, for they proved to be there 

 sure enough. Unfortunately for them, they had not 

 such novices to deal with as they seemed to expect 

 Having carefully studied the position, my companion 

 and I now left the spoor, and, striking to the right, 

 crossed the ridge on which the few scattered trees 

 were growing, about one thousand yards from the 

 thick grove of pines, towards which we made our way, 

 well out of sight and below the wind. 



When just opposite the grove where we expected 

 the wapiti were lying, we climbed to the top of the 

 ridge. Almost immediately I saw the head and ears 

 of a wapiti hind amongst the trees. She was looking 

 full at me, and did not take long to size me up, for 

 she swung round and disappeared instantly. I ran 

 forward as hard as I could, making sure I was going 

 to get a shot, as the ground was open all round the 

 cluster of trees. Very soon I saw a hind break cover 



