rrel, or
even to fly. He probably thought that he could seize the ram by his
horns, and arrest his career without a violent effort, but if such were
his intentions he was bitterly disappointed, for the old patriarch
possessed the strength and power of a dozen ordinary sheep, and possibly
had battled with many bushrangers for the preservation of his flock from
decimation.

On rushed the ram with the speed of a race horse. He passed me without
notice, his eyes glowing like coals of fire, and every muscle in his
neck stretched for the encounter. His wives did not offer to fly, but
stood watching the result of the old fellow's charge, evidently quite
confident of the ultimate result.

When the ram was within three feet of my companion, he thought that it
was about time to make good his retreat, seeing that his opponent was
disposed to be in earnest.

Mr. Brown started back suddenly, and then turned to dodge behind a tree
where he could have laughed his enemy to scorn. But unfortunately he was
too late in making up his mind, and just as he turned, the ram struck
him upon that portion of his body which presents the broadest basis, and
in a twinkling over went my friend, as though shot from a mortar.

I could not, for the life of me, help laughing at the sight, and yet I
was not disposed to interfere between them. It was a fair fight, and I
wanted to see it out.

I will give the ram the credit of acting in a fair and manly manner, for
after he had floored his opponent, he stood perfectly still until Mr.
Brown began to scramble up, and after he had gained his knees, the old
fellow evidently labored under the impression that more work was cut for
him. With a fierce stamp the ram retreated a few feet, and then rushed
on like lightning. Mr. Brown was thrown headlong to the ground, and then
he began to look upon the contest as one not to be despised. I heard the
click of his revolver, and I knew that his thoughts were deadly, but I
resolved to save the life of so gallant an opponent.

"Don't fire," I shouted; "it is a pity to kill the old fellow for
defending his wives. How would you like it?"

"Call him off then, or d---- his long horns, I'll blow a hole through
him large enough to take in a pack saddle," cried Mr. Brown, still
maintaining his recumbent attitude, as though no longer desirous of
provoking a battle.

The task was not difficult. Indeed the ram had grown so inflated with
victory that he was ready to pitch in