to every thing living, and I had
only to show myself and manifest a hostile attitude to accomplish my
purpose. The very first motion that I made with my head attracted his
attention. He turned from a fallen foe with disdain, and braced himself
for a new conflict. I made a second motion with my head suggestive of
butting, and on he came, but I was prepared for him. Springing nimbly
aside, I let him strike the hard pack saddle with all his force, and the
result did not disappoint me. The saddle yielded, and over and over went
the ram, until he picked himself up about two rods from the spot where I
stood awaiting a renewal of the attack with much patience.

I did not have to wait long. With a toss of his shaggy head the old
fellow took deliberate aim, and came towards me. I waited until he got
under full headway, and then stepped behind a tree that my body had
screened. The crash was terrible. The ram rebounded several paces, and
rolled over and over, kicking violently, and when he did struggle to his
feet he winked his eyes rapidly, as though afflicted with a headache of
a violent nature. For a few minutes we stood looking at each other in
silence, and then the old patriarch wagged his tail slowly, and moved
towards his wives, with rather a crestfallen appearance.

CHAPTER LXVII.

THE HUNT FOR THE BURIED TREASURE.

"How do you feel?" I asked of my companion, who was sitting where he had
fallen the second time.

"Feel," he replied, placing his hand upon that portion of his body
supposed to be the sorest, "why I could readily imagine that I had
ridden a hard trotting horse all day."

"Why didn't you spring aside?" I asked; "you saw the animal measuring
the distance, and could have got out of the way."

"Can a man dodge a streak of lightning or a thunder bolt? If he could,
there would he some use attempting to get beyond the reach of that
crooked horn devil when he starts on a butting expedition. I believe no
bones are broken, for which, I suppose, I must feel thankful."

My friend arose, shook himself, and then declared that he felt no
serious inconvenience from his bruises; and while I started a fire he
undertook to skin the sheep, and get a portion of his meat ready for
dinner.

It was near four o'clock before we got ready to commence our
explorations of the island where we supposed the treasure to be
concealed. I suggested carrying the shovel, but Mr. Brown, with a degree
of superstition that I was not