This stem was about five feet in diameter, and I presently distinguished the antlers and then the head of a large buck, as they appeared above it; he had been drinking in the stream on the opposite side, and he now raised his head, sniffing the fresh breeze.

It was a tempting shot, and taking a very steady aim I fired.

For a moment he was down, but recovering himself he bounded up the bank, and was soon in full speed through the forest with only one antler upon his head.

I picked up the fellow-antler, which the rifle-ball had cut off within an inch of his skull.

This was a narrow escape.
I did not reload my rifle, as I was not far from the tent, and I was tired of shooting.