It would not be right, therefore, without a better knowledge of the principles of animal mechanism, to contradict the statement of such a respectable authority as Colonel Markham--especially since it appears to be made in good faith, and without any motive for exaggeration.
Our adventurers had entered into no discussion of this subject on observing the descent of the ibex.

Indeed, there was nothing to suggest such speculations; for the creature had fallen from such an immense height, and come down with "such a thump" upon the hard turf, that it never occurred to any of them to fancy that there was a single gasp of breath left in its body.

Nor was there; for on reaching the ground after its rebound, the animal lay with limbs loose and limp, and without sign of motion--evidently a carcass..