as the wapiti which we had before met with, the elk is still larger,
and one of the animals we saw before us was fully seven feet in
height--as tall, indeed, as many an elephant. As the flesh is very
palatable food, we were eager to kill one or more of the herd. Uncle
Jeff, too, said that he wanted the skins to assist in making a tent, in
case we should have to remain some time at our present location.

Creeping along, then, as much under cover as possible, we endeavoured to
get within shot of the animals. We succeeded at last in reaching the
wood, and hoped, by making our way through it concealed by the trees, to
get up to them before we were discovered. Uncle Jeff led the way, while
Manley and I followed in Indian file. It was important not only to keep
ourselves concealed, but to avoid making any noise, as the elk has a
remarkably acute sense of hearing, and the slightest sound might startle
the herd.

[Illustration: ELK OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS.]

We had succeeded in gaining a spot a thousand yards or so from them,
when I heard a noise in the bushes on our left, and rather ahead, the
herd being on the right. On looking narrowly in the direction from
whence the sound came, I caught sight of a panther, or "American lion,"
as the beast is commonly called, stealing along, very probably on the
same errand as we were,--hoping to pounce upon one of the females of the
herd, could he catch his prey unprepared. He is bound to be cautious,
however, how he attacks a buck, for the elk can do battle with his horns
and hoofs, and might disable even the savage panther.

Uncle Jeff saw the brute as soon as I did, and turning round, he made a
sign to me to aim at the panther the moment he should fire at the elk.
In the meantime, the panther was so intent on reaching his expected prey
that he was not likely to observe us. As may be supposed, I kept a
watchful eye on the wild beast, for he might possibly become aware of
our presence; and if so, might content himself with a human being for
his supper instead of venison, and I had no fancy to give him an
opportunity of selection.

It was very exciting having both the panther and deer before us.
Frequently Uncle Jeff stopped, fearful of being discovered by the elk;
while the panther, for the same reason, did likewise. Thus the savage
beast would creep on and on, crouching down and concealing himself from
view. He so far interfered with our sport, that we could have the chance
of killin