"There isn't much to it. I saw the elk. Then I shot him, and he fell over. After that the elk saw me. He chased me about a tree. I remembered how fast Jerry said he ran around when those wild dogs were after him, and I wanted to go him just one better. Then I found a chance to climb when the wounded elk stumbled. After that I made a rope out of my handkerchief and fished with a loop until I caught the barrel of my gun. That's all."
"A whole history in a nutshell. But we must be getting near the place, according to what you
said at the start. There are the three oaks growing in a clump. Now where's your dead elk?"
As Frank spoke he turned to Bluff. That individual was staring around in evident bewilderment.
"It was sure here I met him. There's the little glade, and this big tree is the one I climbed up into. I saw him lying there. I know he was dead when I bled him. But I must be blind, for the elk certainly is not here now. Oh! Did he come to life again, and run away?" said poor Bluff, in despair, looking at the tail, which he had thrust into his belt.
CHAPTER XII
HARD LUCK
"Talk to me about your dreamers!" muttered Jerry, shrugging his shoulders.