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THE STORY OF THE MUSK-OX . 
the man or beast who, under such circumstances, might come within reach 
of their broad horns or hard hoofs. 
One of them—the oldest of the herd—places himself in front, like a 
general at the head of his army, and advances cautiously to reconnoitre the 
enemy, watching attentively each least movement on the part of the hunters. 
This survey being accomplished, he retires to his post, and awaits the 
attack. Then it is that this animal appears in all his majestic beauty, and, 
when the hunter finds himself for the first time in his presence, he must 
muster up his courage and strengthen his nerves. 
But, although seemingly so terrible, these animals, either stupid or over¬ 
confident in their strength, allow the hunters to approach within a short 
distance, and then, at the first gunshot, the whole herd takes flight, aban¬ 
doning the dead and the wounded. I have often seen five or six hunters 
destroy a herd of a score of them. On one occasion only have I seen one 
of these animals charge; it is true that the poor beast had twelve balls in his 
body, and, being unable to fly, he defended himself to the last moment. 
Another time I found them of a different temper. Singling one of the 
herd, I sent three bullets into him, but the ox, instead of flight, turned on 
me, followed by the herd, and I owed my safety entirely to a large fragment 
of rock, behind which I took refuge, the animal's head coming in contact 
with it with a force so prodigious that he was actually thrown upon his 
haunches. 
