There was good ground for their self-confidence. Their shots were so well aimed that two of the oxen tumbled to the ground, while the others, whirling again, came thundering in the direction of the rocks, near which the lads were watching them.
"That sight is enough to scare any one," remarked Fred.
"If you want to turn and run again," said Rob, "I'll pick up your gun and both of your mittens, if you drop them."
"Don't fret yourself; if I can beat you when you had that polar bear at your heels no beast could overtake me."
"The difference between that and this was that the brute was at my heels, while your pursuers were running the other way. However, we'll drop the matter, old fellow, since I have had all the fun I want out of it. It may be upon me next time."
"I hope it will, and, if so, I won't forget it; but, Rob, this begins to look serious."
Although the youths were in plain view, the musk oxen continued their flight straight toward them. Unless they changed very quickly or the lads got out of the way a collision was certain.
"You may stay here if you think it smart," said Fred, a second later, "but I don't."
Despite the exhibition he had made of himself a few minutes before he moved briskly toward the rocks, behind which he whisked like one who had no time to waste.
To show him how causeless was his alarm, Rob raised his gun, and, taking a quick aim at the foremost, let fly.