rely upon the stratagem. They feared that at the first
attempt the antelope would take fright and make off beyond recovery, and
Fred Greenwood's proposition was adopted.

"There doesn't seem to be any wind blowing, but if we try to steal down
the side of the valley we are sure to frighten them off. Now, if you
will stay here, Jack, I'll pick my way round to the other side, so that
the herd will be between us. Then I'll do my best to get near enough for
a shot; if I fail, they will run for this point and come within range of
you. Between us two, one is certain to get a shot at them."

"It's putting a big lot of work on you, Fred," said the chivalrous Jack.

"It won't be half as hard to bear as the hunger I'll feel in the course
of an hour or two if we don't get one of them."

The plan was so simple that no explanation was necessary. Jack Dudley
had only to remain extended on the ground where he was, with his
Winchester ready, and keep an eye on the little herd, which could not
observe him unless he was unusually careless. He could easily judge of
Fred's success or failure by watching the animals, and it would seem
that success was almost certain for one of the young hunters. The only
thing to be feared was that Fred would betray himself before reaching
the other side of the game that was so tempting to both.

The comrades looked at their watches at the moment of separating, and
found it was precisely one o'clock. Fred gave himself an hour to reach a
point from which to start on his return, though it was possible that
double that time would be required. Before the interval had expired Jack
had his glass to his eyes, and was studying the valley below.

As the antelope cropped the rich grass they occasionally took a step in
the direction of the watcher; but the largest one, evidently the leader,
changed his course so as to work back toward the little grove of trees,
the others following. Now and then the leader raised his head and looked
around, as if suspecting danger, though his fears were not confirmed. At
longer intervals other members of the herd did the same, but it was
evident that they neither saw nor scented anything amiss.

Jack's constant fear was that Fred would betray himself through some
accident. His course would bring him nearer the game and the risk was
considerable; but as the minutes passed without anything of that nature
taking place, his hope increased.

"More than likely Fred himself will get th