ON PLAIN AND PEAK 



kids. Some ptarmigan, white as the mountain tops 

 they haunt, were flying around us. 



The drive was to begin at noon, and at twelve 

 o'clock to the second the signal shot echoed and 

 re-echoed along the mountains. It was interesting 

 to watch its effect on the chamois that were in sight. 

 Instantly they seemed to recognise their danger. 

 A second or two of indecision, and then the leader 

 (always an old doe) seemed to have made up her 

 mind and chosen the line of flight. In the first 

 instance this was always backwards towards the 

 higher ground and the beaters, as if they knew that 

 the real peril lay in front. 



But more chamois are to be seen coming over the 

 steep ridge little black dots on the white snow. 

 Through the glasses I have been watching one on 

 the sky line, standing in its characteristic position, 

 with its head and neck just over the edge, immov- 

 able, gazing intently downwards ; when Wechsel- 

 berger draws my attention, by the usual serpent-like 

 hiss, to something nearer at hand. 



A chamois is standing within a hundred and 

 twenty yards of us ! 



"Shoot?" I whisper, for I am but a beginner, 

 and make no pretensions to be able to spot the 

 right animal. 



My keen-eyed trager replies in the affirmative, 

 so I slowly bring up my rifle, and fire. 



190 



