38 AMERICAN GAME. 
down ; when Howard sprung forward and plunged his 
knife to the hilt in the breast of the Cariboo. With a 
last mighty effort, the noble creature dashed the Indian 
in the air, and the next moment his own strong limbs 
were quivering in death. 
“From the commencement of this burst, I confess, I 
was a little agitated—so much so, that I had not coolness 
sufficient to tie on my snow-shoes, or load my rifle; but 
let not any blame me until they themselves have had* 
the pleasure of being placed in the same delicate situa- 
tion, up to the waist in snow, and one of those emperors 
of the deer tribe dancing round.in mad fary, threatening 
instant annihilation. On examination, we found How- 
ard’s ball had taken effect just behind the shoulder, and 
would have caused death in a short time. - 
“<Hillo! old boy, are you hurt? said Tom Howard, 
seeing the Indian still on his back. 
“<‘ Cariboo sartain bery strong, grunted the poor 
fellow. His back was much lacerated. ‘Brother cut 
some gum, and soon be well,’ said Sabatisie. 
“Howard gathered some balsam formed by the sap 
running from the bark of the fir-tree, and spreading it 
on a piece of his handkerchief, formed a strong adhesive 
plaster—staunching the blood, he placed it on the 
wound. 
“< And now, Meadows, what has become of your 
game—think he is hit ? 
“«Yes, by Jove, I'll bet my rifle to a pop-gun he is— 
