Part 25 (1/2)

”Yes, Altamont, I'll make them over to you,” replied Clawbonny; ”they are true Americans, and they don't appear to have a very favourable idea of their fellow country prowess,” rejoined Altaer pursued, had stopped short Further pursuit was evidently useless If they were to be captured at all they must be surrounded, and the plateau which they first happened to have reached, was very favourable for the purpose

Leaving Duk to worry theot to the one end of the plateau, where Alta rocks, while Hatteras went on to the other end, intending to startle the animals by his sudden appearance, and drive them back towards his companions

”I suppose you have no objection this tientry?” said Altamont

”Oh, no, it is 'a fair field now and no favour,'” returned Clawbonny

The oxen had begun to shake the to kick hiht in front of thenal for Altaht of two assailants, the terrified animals wheeled round and attacked Hatteras He ht at their heads But both his balls were powerless, and only served still further to ed beasts They rushed upon the unfortunate round in an instant

”He is a deadaccents

A treht of his prostrate foe, and though his first i with himself and his prejudices But his hesitation scarcely lasted half a second, his better self conquered, and exclai,

”No, it would be cowardly!” he rushed forith Clawbonny

Hatteras full well understood how his rival felt, but would rather have died than have begged his intervention However, he had hardly time to think about it, before Altamont was at his side

He could not have held out er, for it was impossible to ward off the blows of horns and hoofs of two such powerful antagonists, and in a few minutes more he must have been torn to pieces But suddenly two shots resounded, and Hatteras felt the balls graze his head

[Ilustration: Dealt him such a tremendous blow on the head with his hatchet, that the skull was coe!” shouted Alta hi animals

One of them, shot to the heart, fell dead as he reached the spot, while the other dashed ore the unfortunate captain with his horns, when Altaed his snow knife far into the beast's wide open jaith one hand, with the other dealt him such a tremendous blow on the head with his hatchet, that the skull was completely split open

It was done so quickly that it see, and all was over The second ox lay dead, and Clawbonny shouted ”Hurrah! hurrah!” Hatteras was saved

He owed his life to thepassions this must have roused in his soul! But where was the emotion he could not master?

However, his action was proht be

Without a rave voice--

”Altamont, you have saved my life!”

”You saved mine,” replied the American

There was a moment's silence, and then Altamont added--

”We're quits, Hatteras”

”No, Altaed you out of your icy tomb, I did not knoho you were; but you savedquite ho I was”