ON PLAIN AND PEAK 



the heavens, and the squirrels are busy getting their 

 breakfasts. Look at that little chap on the next 

 tree, with his tail cocked over his back, and his 

 bright eyes sparkling as he nibbles away at an 

 acorn ! And there is a black one all jet black, 

 except his little white chest ! The woods here 

 swarm with squirrels, but the black ones are very 

 uncommon. 



It is difficult to trace the stag when we set off 

 again, for the bleeding has stopped ; and at last we 

 lose the track altogether. However, we mark the 

 place where we found the last hoof-print, and then 

 keep what we imagine to be the right direction. 

 Fortunately the ground is covered with scattered 

 trees, and we can see a long way ahead, so there is 

 no danger of "jumping" him suddenly. 



At length we spot him, lying down again, but 

 looking provokingly wide awake. He is on a little 

 hill, and it is impossible to get near him, so there is 

 nothing for it but a long shot. 



I fire, and he acknowledges the bullet by jumping 

 up, and, once more galloping off, leaps over a wire 

 fence, Jive feet high, that surrounds a plantation, and 

 disappears among the trees ! 



Poor old chap! It is his last effort. 



He seems very sick and sorry when we find him 

 again standing with his nose nearly touching the 

 ground. 



34 



