AN APPARENT MISS. 161 



The general character of the valley is that of a 

 grand ravine bounded by two precipices of almost 

 vertical rocks, sometimes with only sufficient space 

 between for the windings of the river, and at others 

 opening out to a mile in breadth. 



But it was time to look after the burrul. 

 Having regained our breath, we examined our 

 rifles, and stole quietly forward along the crest of 

 the hill. We had not gone many yards, our foot- 

 steps scarcely making any noise over the crisp 

 snow, when Chineah, who was a couple of paces in 

 front, stopped short, and made a sign to attract our 

 attention ; a slight rustling was heard, and in an 

 instant there was a rushing sound on the opposite 

 side of a ridge of rocks like that of an animal 

 bounding away at full speed. 



There goes our game. " Is it not provoking ? — 

 after such a fag, too ! " exclaimed the Doctor, in a 

 subdued voice : and he was pressing forward, when 

 I thought I heard a second movement, and made a 

 gesture for him to keep still ; another moment, and 

 I perceived the horns, head, and black breast of an 

 old ram peering inquisitively over a narrow ridge 



M 



