A^^ECDOTE OP DEER-STALKIXG. 163 



his head with caution. He did so, and saw, with a 

 sensation of eager delight which increased his agitation 

 to a painful pitch, the noble stag lying amongst some 

 rushy grass, apparently in the most unsuspicious tran- 

 quillity, occasionally scratching a part of his hide with 

 a fork of his antlers, and driving away the insects 

 which appeai-ed greatly to torment him. *Take him 

 as he lies, Harry ; aim low, at the shoulder,' whispered 

 Grlenvallich. The heart of Tresham beat more audibly 

 than ever it had done in going into action, as he care- 

 fully extended and levelled his rifle. Whether it was 

 the slight click of cocking, or some movement made in 

 the heather as he stretched out the piece to take aim, 

 is uncertain ; but the stag started, and made a move- 

 ment as if about to rise, just at the moment when 

 Tresham was pressing the trigger. The circumstance 

 j)robably unsettled his aim, for the rifle exploded, but 

 the ball flew over its intended object. But not thus 

 was the unfortunate animal to escape ; for scarce had 

 the report of Tresham's shot made him start from his 

 lair when the rifle of Grlenvallich gave forth its fatal 

 contents, and the stag, making one high bound from 

 the earth, tumbled headlong forwards, and lay strug- 

 gling in the agonies of death. He had anticipated the 

 possibility of his friend's failure, and prepared to remedy 

 it, which he did effectually, for the ball had struck the 

 animal just behind the shoulder and went clean through 

 his heart. ' Hurrah ! capital ; grand ! by Jove he has 

 got it,' shouted Tresham, starting up ; but the arm of 

 Grlenvallich pulled him do^vn again. ' Hush ! be quiet,' 

 whispered he ; ' never do so ; there may be twenty more 

 deer near us of which we yet know nothing ; such a 

 halloo would send them all off. Load your piece — load 



