All had disappeared but the buck.

Rolf gave another whistle that turned the antler-bearer to a statue.

Controlling himself with a strong "I will," he raised the gun, held it steadily, and fired.

The buck gave a gathering spasm, a bound, and disappeared.

Rolf felt sick again with disgust, but he reloaded, then hastily went forward.
There was the deep imprint showing where the buck had bounded at the shot, but no blood.