life," were the last words he heard the stockman say as he began to
descend the little declivity in order to make his way along its base, so
as to remain concealed from the quarry.

Frank was careful as well as quick in his movements. Again and again he
peeped out to see what the mountain sheep was doing. So far as he could
learn, the animal seemed to be centering its attention on the caravan
that had halted. Three times it moved its position, and once he was just
in time to see it make a most dazzling leap, which he hoped Will might
have caught with his quick-action lens.

Finally, having gained a place where he had a fine view of the animal
standing there across the gorge, Frank sank down so as to get a good
aim. Not quite satisfied, he crawled forward a little further, and then
proceeded to put his fortune to the test.

Never had he calculated more exactly just how he should aim in order to
bring the success he craved. When he pressed the trigger he was thrilled
to see the mountain sheep give a wild spring into the air and then fall
over the edge of the platform. This time its spring lacked the buoyancy
of life, and Frank knew that his bullet had reached its billet.

But he had no time to exult, for as he moved he felt the ground slipping
from under him, and realized that nothing could interpose to prevent his
falling into the deep gorge!




CHAPTER X