rescue. Why, he would never hear the end of the thing! It was too
horrible to contemplate, and in some fashion he must secure possession
of his gun to end the career of that pugnacious old bull elk.

[Illustration: "DON'T YOU WISH YOU COULD?" HE SHOUTED DERISIVELY DOWN AT
THE ELK.--_Page 98_.
_The Outdoor Chums After Big Game_.]

Bluff had read more or less about the strange adventures that befall
hunters of big game. He also remembered how one man had fished for his
gun, and successfully, under similar conditions.

Having no cord in his pocket, he deliberately tore his handkerchief into
strips and knotted them together. When this failed to reach the ground,
he fastened it to the end of a long and stout "sucker," or sprout, which
he cut from the body of the tree.

A running loop was made at the other end, for he could see that his gun
lay in such a position that the barrel was tilted.

Bluff then began to angle. Many times he came near accomplishing his
purpose, when something occurred to break up his plans.

"I'll never give up," he declared, when the elk moved forward, as if
suspecting something, and endeavored to catch the dangling noose in its
antlers, which Bluff would not have happen for anything.

"If I was trying to catch you, I'd want something stronger than this
rag. Now please wander away again, and let me have another try," he
said; and then, as the animal did walk off a dozen paces, as if