216 AN ANTELOPE CHASE.

thought he saw a pronged head disappearing be-
hind a swell in the prairie. Ilis companions were
sceptical, and none of them would go with him in
chase. He therefore, wheeling out of trail, started
alone, leaving his dog in charge of a comrade, lest
he should alarm the antelopes. The horse was
fresh and willing, and his master knew that,
whether successful or no, he would easily be able
to overtake the party by camping-time.

He struck directly toward the spot where he had
seen the object of his pursuit. He supposed it to
be about half a mile or so from the trail; it proved
more distant—a common illusion in the crystal at-
mosphere of those upland regions. A curiously
formed ridge traversed the plain from cast to west,
a thicket of cactus covering part of its summit. To-
wards this thicket his course was bent, and, arrived
at the slope, he dismounted, and leading his horse
silently up among the cactus plants, ticd him to
one of their branches. He then cautiously crept
toward the spot where he fancied he had scen the
game. Nor was he mistaken; not one antelope,
but a brace of those beautiful animals was quietly
grazing beyond; but, alas! too far ofl for the carry
of a rifle. They were fully 300 yards distant,
upon a smooth, grassy slope. There was not even
asage bush near to form acover. What was te
be done P