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, 



lo.in.. 



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 



