THE MUSK-OX 



233 



seemed to get bigger at every moment. We were 

 safely hidden behind rocks, some fifty yards from him 

 now, when I got my second snap. 



Realising the occasion, and knowing my men, I said : 

 "Now, Preble, I am going to walk up to that bull 

 and get a close picture. He will certainly charge me, 



I O.IK 



If !*»■ 



Tracks of Musk-ox 



as I shall be nearest and in full view. There is only 

 one combination that can save my life: that is you 

 and that rifle." 



Then with characteristic loquacity did Preble reply: 

 "Go ahead." 



I fixed my camera for twenty yards and quit the 

 sheltering rock. The bull snorted, shook his head, 

 took aim, and just before the precious moment was 

 to arrive a heavy shot behind me rang out, the bull 

 staggered and fell, shot through the heart, and Weeso 

 cackled aloud in triumph. 



How I cursed the meddling old fool. He had not 

 understood. He saw, as he supposed, "the Okimow 

 in peril of his life/'and acted according to the dictates 

 of his accursedly poor discretion. Never again shall 

 he carry a rifle with me. 



So the last scene came not, but we had the trophy 



