They proceeded with caution for two or three miles, but their most careful observation failed to disclose any elk, or smaller deer. The two boys were beginning to feel a bit disappointed, as they had set their hearts on at least getting a shot at big game. Another mile brought no results, though Mr. Hurd said the signs of elk were growing better. "There's been a herd here in the last few days," he said. "A big one, too, by the looks of things." "I guess they got word we were coming," remarked his partner. "They know we have two mighty hunters with us," and he glanced at the lads. "I can only speak for myself," replied Jed, in low tones, which they all used. "I'm a crack shot, but my brother has hard work hitting the broadside of a barn door." "I'll punch you for that, when we get back to camp!" exclaimed Will in a tense whisper. "Hark!" suddenly exclaimed Mr. Curtin. They were silent in an instant. Then, through the quiet woods, came a sound of underbrush being trampled under feet. "Here's something coming," whispered Mr. Hurd. He raised his rifle in readiness, the others following his example. Hardly had they done so, ere, from the bushes, there stepped out a magnificent elk. It looked so big and imposing, as it stood there in the forest, that Jed and Will forgot that they were hunting and stood staring at the creature, that was so surprised at the sudden appearance of human beings on its preserves that it did not instantly flee from danger. An instant later Mr. Hurd fired, and, at the same moment, the elk bounded off through the trees. "Shoot, somebody!" cried the man who had fired. His companion's gun spoke, but too late. "After him!" shouted Mr. Hurd. "I only wounded him. We've got to come up with him quickly, or he'll be miles away. But I think I crippled him. I don't want him to go off in the woods and die in misery." Jed and Will were off on a run, their nimble legs carrying them ahead faster than did the limbs of the two miners. "I see him!" cried Jed, as he caught a glimpse of the big creature through the trees. The elk had stopped to lick a wound on the left fore quarter, where the bullet had gone in and from which blood was flowing. The elk heard the boys coming. Up went its head, and once more it was off like a shot. Just as it gathered itself for a leap, Jed fired. He heard the thud of the bullet, and knew he had sent it into a vital spot. "Did you get him?" cried Will. "I think so! Come on!" Forward rushed the two brothers. They emerged into a little clearing, and, at the farther side of it, was a sight that caused Jed's heart to throb. On the ground, kicking its last, was the big elk. His bullet had quickly put it out of its misery. "Hurrah! You did it!" yelled Will. "I told you I was a good shot," said Jed. "But if Mr. Hurd hadn't wounded it, I doubt very much if I could have killed it."