156 Tue Aroostook Woops. 

hungry by this time sure. I have the wind of yow to-day, 
(but yet I will defer my smoke until later) and am holding 
the rifle about where I know you must show yourself, and the 
sun is at my back. In a moment Our Antlers are 
slowly moving out from the blow-down, then up and down 
just back of it. It is higher ground as he is stepping, and he 
now shows his head as well. Another moment with three or 
four steps and he stands out showing all of his body but his 
legs. The late afternoon sun is lighting up the wide spread 
antlers, and his side is all exposed, and now we telegraph 
him and try to watch his receiving of the message. The 
smoke interferes with the first glance, but the second shows 
him making wild leaps almost toward us as we stood beside 
the birch. Another cartridge was already in the barrel and 
our aim followed him as he jumped to one side and stopped 
short ina clump of firs, wheeling quickly and facing back 
toward the blow-down, as if the shot he had received came 
from the east or beside him, instead of from his back tracks. 
With his head high in air and with his first snort of fear 
came to him the second shot, through the heart, and he laid 
down Our Antlers, and after one-half moment, no sound 
or movement did he ever make again. But after walk- 
ing over to the evergreens and gazing long upon the noble 
buck now the excitement had passed, we could hardly feel to 
exult over the victory. Though the head and antlers were 
perfect, and we were very proud of them, a cheerless feeling 
clung to us that would not vanish at our wish, to give place 
to triumph and rejoicing. And not until a brother sportsman, 
who- kindly assisted in sledding him to camp, had with his— 
cheerful eonversation and fervent praise of the trophy, lifted 
ats > put a’ Hittle, could we shake off this cheerless feeling, after 
2 Oar Antlers. 

