The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1905-11-29

One by one the does filed across the
stretch of grass, and then, when the
last had gone, we heard the challenge
of the bull, and immediately he strodc
into the open. What q wonderful
creature he was! There was sup
pressed "Ah!' from every member of
the hunting party, for they were
watching him through their field
glasscs, and prepared az they we're
for his grandeur, he surprised them.
When they had gone, We arose, and
the guide led US back into the woods
with rapid, noiseless steps. lie
knew the particular feeding ground
the elk would be most likely to visit
first, and, making o wide dctour, we
followed MIN toward another stretch
of grass land, we'll up on much higher
ground, and perhaps two miles to
the southwark. The wind was in our
| favor, or the work Of approaching the
| herd would have been much more
difficult. AS it was, we hurried
| along, just keeping bright lookout
for possible stray COW elk, who, if
| she should see us or get our wind,
would "bark" and thus give the
alarm, and send every living creature
within hearing to the tall timber at
| it's fastest pace.
Twice We came upon white deer,
but they did not snort-simply thre@
| up their flags and spraug away to the
woods. AS We neared the feeding
| ground mentioned above, We slowed
down and approached with great eau
tion. The open space vas bordcred
by mixed growth; spruce and white
birches, and peeripg between them We
could get occasional glimpscs of cow
elk, showing that the herd was ST.
ready on tho ground. The bull was
not in sight, and any attempt to get
botter view would probably have re.
suited in some one Of the band catch
ing sight Of US. So the guide halted
us until the next bugle note should
reveal the whereabouts of that which
he sought.
1t wac sounded at some distance to
the east, and perhaps a quarter of O
mile to the southwark Of where we
5tood, md at ouoe the guide took up
bis work Of stalking, with the hunters
following close behind. This was by
far the most interesting part Of the
ssIna, and was really exciting, know.
ing, as wo did, that the snap Of twig,
change of the direction Of the wind, :.
or a failure to keep under cover,
would result in an immediate stam.
rede Of the elk. Once ve had to
CROSS an" open place and it was usces-
asry to- lie# fst and wiggle along
shroughth graso. Again the guide
stopped and pesred warily through
the fringe OF trees, and again he
waited for the call Of the bull elk, e.,
guide him In his search. ..'#*~
Like the blast of trumpet it came
from behind olamp Of trees to the
eaat. and triumphant and defiant 40
1t was,I felt chat the noble beast was
sounding hia death knell-~that his
hour had come. The guide orept for-
ward, followed closely br tho man
elected to take the frst shot, while
the rest Of us drew Back to watch
the end without disturbing the game.
"Crashl'' the wind had changed,
and like charge Of cavalry the herd
Of elk broke away across the open
and plunged through che fringe Of
trees and uDderbrush by which they
were surrounded. Now, I Thought,
the bull will get avay, but orouohiug
Low, I saw him standing near a spruce
tree,t calmly Watching the departure
Of the cows. One by one they passed
him, but not q step would be take I'M
til the Last Of his baud had gone.
-
"CraSkr' went tho gun Of the
hqnter, and I hugged myself as saw
that he had missed it clean. The
great stag wheeled half around, as if
he would. have faced his skulking
foe, and as he turned he swung those
glorious antlerss which in open fight
would have brought him victory over
! a SCORE Of such nunys foes 81 man.
Then, with head erect and striding
with dignity which no :u,ap could
approach. he started. to follow his
band. - H.. .,-si;, :. : .;..; Is. :" 7
{#"Craek! oraok! oraoklEH from as
many highpower rifles, and one Of the
bullets eeyerine the : araek :hrnte,s