XXIV 
THE WAPITI 
271 
We decided to beat out each ravine separately ; 
this could easily be accomplished, as Jem could ride 
along the bottom when practicable, or, if not, he 
could ride or walk along the edge, and throw stones 
into the dry stream-bed. At the same time I would 
dismount, and keep 150 yards in advance, along the 
margin of the ravine upon the opposite side. 
In this careful manner we beat out three 
ravines upon the right front of the spot where the 
wapiti had crossed the stream. There remained 
a large ravine which came from a shoulder of the 
mountain, that formed a hollow upon the ridge or 
saddle. I felt sure the wapiti must be hiding some¬ 
where among these places. Telling Jem to wait at 
the bottom until I should have a clear start of 150 
yards up the hill, I rode through thick sage-bush 
up the incline, until I reached the desired position. 
It had been agreed that Jem should whistle if he 
saw the wapiti within the covert. I did not 
dismount, as the sage-bush was exceedingly tough 
and disagreeable. I therefore kept my horse well 
ahead of the position of the beater, which I could 
tolerably guess from the clatter of his horses feet 
among the stones. I was about half-way up the 
hill, when I heard a loud whistle! 
I did not dismount immediately, but spurring my 
horse, I pushed forward straight up the hill as fast 
as possible. It was well that I did so ; had I been 
on foot I could not have arrived at a good position ; 
for although I had pressed Buckskin to the utmost, 
a splendid stag broke covert about 120 yards ahead 
