The trapper was in that mood that he would not have hesitated to encounter two of them in deadly combat for the possession of the bird which was properly his own, and which he was not willing to yield until compelled to do so by physical force.
About a hundred rods brought the trapper to a second creek of larger size than the first.

The trail led directly into this, so he followed without hesitation.

Before doing so, he took the precaution to sling his rifle to his back, so that his arms should be disencumbered in any sudden emergency.
The creek proved to be of considerable depth, but not sufficient to cause him to swim.

Near the center, when it was up to his armpits, and he was feeling every foot of the way as he advanced, he chanced by accident to raise his head.

As he did so, he caught a movement among the undergrowth, and more from habit than anything else, dodged his head.
The involuntary movement allowed the bullet that was discharged at that moment to pass harmlessly over his crown and bury itself in the bank beyond.