192 HIGHLAND SPORT 



and made a most furious blow at the weapon. I heard the 

 clink the horn made as it struck, then the next second came a 

 report, and Donald fell forward right on the top of the yet 

 struggling stag. Down hill I dashed as fast as my legs would 

 carry me, but, alas ! only to find the poor fellow lying stone 

 dead with a bullet right through his heart. I pulled him as 

 well as I could on to a mossy bank, and then, as soon as I had 

 satisfied myself he was past all aid, I hastened off to the 

 shepherd's cottage ; fortunately he was not out, while moreover 

 he had two other men with him for the purpose of gathering 

 the lambs next day, so thus between us by our united exer- 

 tions we bore our sad burden to the roadside. That is all, 

 Gee, and I never felt so unhappy in all my life," said poor 

 Surrey. 



Needless to relate, this sad event cast a gloom over our 

 hitherto happy party, and the last evening before it broke up 

 was a melancholy one. The ladies retired early, while in silence 

 we men went to the smoking-room, for poor Donald had been 

 a favourite with every one. As we filed into our sanctum, Tom 

 gave me a tap on the shoulder while pointing to the hall door, 

 and we were quickly alone in the open air. "Gus, old fellow," 

 said he, " I want you to do me a favour ; you see we cannot 

 resume shooting till after the funeral, so, as my friends are due 

 to leave to-morrow, will you come as my guest to Loch Leven 

 for a few days, and we can return on the first of September ? " 

 And thus it was arranged. 



25th. — After Tom's guests had started off, he and I departed 

 for Kinross, and arrived there the same evening. Miss Kent 

 staying with Mrs. Berks and the children. 



26th. — Kinross. There was nothing of Loch Leven visible 

 from our hotel ; however, we sat down to breakfast well pleased 

 to be removed for awhile from the depressing influences of fatal 

 accidents and ghosts. The room was cheerful, full of sunshine, 

 and looked on to a small garden of flowers, so while Tom 

 strode up and down, eating his porridge in orthodox Scotch 



