40 DEEE-DEIVING IN MULL. 



heard the hunt begin at the north end, and gra- 

 dually near the south of the plantation. Soon 

 two hinds broke below the river, but instead of 

 making for the ford of the Knock, and giving me 

 the 120-yard chance, they kept the open shore of 

 Loch-na-Gaul, and, contrary to all precedent, took 

 refuge on the hills of Knock. 



I was testily watching their wilful course, when 

 I heard a step approaching on the near side of the 

 river. In a moment I knew it to be a deer's. A 

 dip in the ground concealed the tramper until a 

 pair of horns rose about 30 yards from my hiding. 

 A fairer chance there could not be. He crossed at a 

 trot, and I shot him through the heart. My son 

 from his pass had noted this hart the moment he 

 quitted the wood had marked him confidingly 

 choose his way straight for my hiding-place was 

 well aware that I could not see him until he came 

 slap upon me and, to crown all, perceived my 

 attention fixed on the hinds. The thrilling sus- 

 pense did not cease until he saw me present my 

 rifle. This deer weighed 15 stone, but had a poor 

 head. 



The overseer assured us there were two more 



