212 FOLLOWING THE TRAIL. 



towards the place where the bellowing was last heard ; 

 whilst the other two men of our party made a wide circuit 

 below to search for tracks, should the deer have moved 

 downwards. Each time we stopped to listen, the twig- 

 breaking trick was tried, but with no effect. On reaching 

 the supposed position of the deer, not a trace of any sort 

 could we find to direct us, when " too-whoo," " too-whoo-oo," 

 comes the hoot of an owl from among the dense dark pines 

 some distance lower down. This time, however, it proceeds 

 from no bird of ill omen, for in it we recognise a preconcerted 

 signal from the men below for calling us down to them. It 

 is at once answered by a like sound, made by blowing be- 

 tween the hands clasped together in a certain way, and is 

 repeated at intervals until we find our scouts. They have 

 ascertained by the tracks that the stag has moved down- 

 wards in company with several hinds. Keeping well on the 

 alert for any movement in the brushwood, we follow 

 cautiously on the broad trail. Suddenly a stampede is 

 heard, and we get a momentary glimpse through the trees 

 of one or two of the brown hides vanishing into a dell a 

 short way ahead. As the animals have become alarmed, 

 our only plan now is to run forward to the place where they 

 disappeared, on the chance of getting a snap-shot ere they 

 get too far beyond it. Fortune is so far kind, for on our 

 reaching the desired spot, all breathless from running, I 

 catch sight of one of them a stag, and a good one too 

 through a vista in the trees, as he stands looking back with- 

 in easy range below me. The hanging smoke prevents my 

 seeing the effect of the shot, but the sound of the striking 

 bullet seems to denote meat. " He's down ! " breathlessly 

 exclaims Kamzan, as he feels for his knife. But this remark 

 is succeeded by a much less exultant one. " No, he's up 

 and away again! Oho! tzh ! tzh ! tzh!" usual interjec- 

 tions of disappointment made with the tongue and teeth. 

 No venison, however, do we find on going to look for it, 

 although my old companion positively declares to having 



