f losing the game, they
determined to save their strength. The trail entered the woods by a
narrow ravine, passed through what proved to be but a belt of timber,
and then turned north to the right. Presently in the semi-darkness
they saw the monster's head against the sky. He was browsing among the
trees, tearing off the young branches, and the hunters succeeded in
getting within seventy-five yards before being discovered. Just as he
began to run, the two rifles again fired, this time at the right hind
leg, which they succeeded in hamstringing. After that the Triceratops
prorsus was at their mercy, and they quickly put an end to its
suffering.

"The sun is about to rise," said Bearwarden; "in a few minutes we shall
have enough light."

They cut out a dozen thick slices of tenderloin steak, and soon were
broiling and eating a substantial breakfast.

"There are not as many spectators to watch us eat here," said
Cortlandt, "as in the woods. I suggest that, after returning to camp
for our blankets and things, we steer for the Callisto, via this
Triceratops, to see what creatures have been attracted by the body."

On finishing their meal they returned to the place at which they had
passed the night. Having straightened the protection-wires, which had
become twisted, and arranged their impedimenta, they set out, and were
soon once more beside their latest victim.

CHAPTER IX.

THE HONEY OF DEATH.

At first nothing seemed to have been disturbed, when they suddenly
perceived that both forelegs were missing. On further examination they
found that the ponderous tail, seven feet in diameter, was cut through
in two places, the thicker portion having disappeared, and that the
heavy bones in this extremity of the vertebral column had been severed
like straws. The cut surfaces were but little cooler than the interior
of the body, showing how recently the mutilation had been effected.

"By all the gods!" exclaimed Bearwarden, "it is easy to see the method
in this; the hunters have again cut off only those parts that could be
easily rolled. These Jovian fellows must have weapons compared with
which the old scythe chariots would be but toys, with which they
amputate the legs of their victims. We must see to it that their
scimitars do not come too near to us, and I venture to hope that in our
bullets they will find their match. What say you, doctor?"

"I see no d