THE BIGHORN IN THE SNOW 73 
time instinct was demanding that he retreat. 
For a time I held him through interest and curi- 
osity, but presently he backed off a few steps. 
Again I slowly advanced and steadily assured 
him in the universal language—tone—that all 
was well. Though not alarmed, he moved off 
at right angles, apparently with the intention 
of walking around me. I advanced at an 
angle to intercept him. With this move on 
my part, he stopped to stare for a moment, 
then turned and started away. 
I started after him at full speed. He, too, 
speeded, but with snowshoes I easily circled 
him. He quickly saw the folly of trying to 
outrun me; and if he did not accept the situation 
with satisfaction, as I think he did, he certainly 
took things philosophically. He climbed upon 
a snow-draped boulder and posed as proudly 
as a Greek god. Then he stared at me. 
Presently he relaxed and showed a friendly 
interest. I then advanced and formally in- 
troduced myself, accompanying my movements 
with rapid comment and chatter. I asked him 
if he was glad to be alive, asked his opinion 
concerning the weather, the condition of his 
flock, and finally, told him that game preserves 
was one of my hobbies, and in such refuges I 
trusted he had a deep interest. All this, 
while within a few yards of him and in a most 
