Hunting American Big Game 



a spur of the range. These two had a 

 commanding position ; for while it seemed 

 impossible to get to them from above, they 

 could see every movement from below or 

 on each side of them. However, after 

 studying the country for two days, I found 

 that by ascending the mountain behind 

 them, and coming down again, I could still 

 keep above them, though there was a very 

 narrow ledge of rocks, rather a hazardous 

 place, that had to be crossed to get to the 

 point they were on. This narrow ledge 

 they had to come back on to get to the 

 main part of the mountain ; so, stationing 

 my companion there, and taking off my 

 shoes, and putting on an extra pair of heavy 

 stockings, I proceeded to crawl toward the 

 sheep. 



With due care, and not making a sound, 

 I made a most successful stalk. Peering 

 over the ledge, I just raised my head enough 

 to be sure my game was still there. They 

 were there, sure enough, within seventy- 

 five yards of me, totally unconscious of dan- 

 ger, when all of a- sudden they sprang to 

 their feet, and dashed away from below me 

 as though possessed of a devil. I fired 

 hastily, but of course missed, and, turning, 

 tried to run back to head them off, wonder- 

 ing what had started them, as I knew I 



