Incautiously, Bluff let fall certain words that gave Jerry a clue as to
the true situation.

"A tree! Shot him downward from a tree, eh? Now, since you've so frankly
confessed that much, why not tell the whole blooming story, Bluff?" he
cried.

"There isn't much to it. I saw the elk. Then I shot him, and he fell
over. After that the elk saw me. He chased me about a tree. I remembered
how fast Jerry said he ran around when those wild dogs were after him,
and I wanted to go him just one better. Then I found a chance to climb
when the wounded elk stumbled. After that I made a rope out of my
handkerchief and fished with a loop until I caught the barrel of my gun.
That's all."

"A whole history in a nutshell. But we must be getting near the place,
according to what you said at the start. There are the three oaks
growing in a clump. Now where's your dead elk?"

As Frank spoke he turned to Bluff. That individual was staring around in
evident bewilderment.

"It was sure here I met him. There's the little glade, and this big tree
is the one I climbed up into. I saw him lying there. I _know_ he was
dead when I bled him. But I must be blind, for the elk certainly is not
here now. Oh! Did he come to life again, and run away?" said poor Bluff,
in despair, looking at the tail, which he had thrust into his belt.