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156 CARIBOU

until almost the end of his trip. Perhaps this was because
he had done but little big-game hunting previously, was
owing to a defective eye not even what you could call
more than a moderate hand with a rifle; in fact, he used
himself to say that it was his ambition to hit just one
animal with his first shot—not to kill it, but simply hit
it. Nevertheless, in spite of his poor shooting, he always
managed to kill what he shot at, as if his aim was not
true enough he would lay down such a barrage that,
sooner or later, the beast he was shooting at would run
into it. In addition to all this he did not expect to do
much execution, and when he started out he did so with
the idea that he was just making a preliminary investiga-
tion for another year. Therefore, not expecting or much
caring, he met with a far greater measure of success than
a first-rate shot extremely keen and anxious to secure a
big bag. There is, however, just one thing which un-
doubtedly was a factor of no minor importance in bringing
about the splendid results he had, and it is a thing which
many other men might copy with the utmost advantage.
In the first place, he put himself entirely in his guide’s
hands, and never argued or interfered in even a small
degree, and, above all, he took things as they came, and
no matter how tired or wet he was always cheerful.
Everybody liked him, and it would be hard to find a better
man to guide than he was notwithstanding he was apt
to miss an easy shot. But to return to his caribou.
When we left town I told him that in the time at his
disposal it would be out of the question to reach the main
caribou range, and that, unless we went there, he could
hardly hope to bring out anything except moose, sheep,
goat, and possibly a bear or two; and that if by any
chance we found any caribou, he would not have to be
particular as to size, as there was not likely to be any
choice. He therefore gave up all hopes of getting caribou,
as he expected to be lucky to kill a ram and a moose.

1 It is only fair to say that at the time the Colonel’s rifle sights did not
suit him, and that since he has used different ones he has made but few
misses.