CHAPTER V. 



AMONGST THE PTARMIGAN. 



THE bells on the chestnut rnare tinkle merrily as we 

 journey at a rattling pace to Rhidorach, performing the 

 distance of three miles in a very brief space of time. 

 " The native hue of resolution " in my case is very 

 far from being "sicklied o'er with the pale cast of 

 thought " very much the contrary, in fact. Far, far 

 away, somewhere down in the Lowlands, I left dull 

 care behind me ; and my thoughts are of the pleasantest 

 description, as befits one who is in the enjoyment of 

 all the luxuries and comforts of life. But, as regards 

 resolution, mine is fixed ; I am determined to ascend 

 the stony heights of the grim old mountains in the- 

 hope of getting a few shots at the ptarmigan, though 

 I am warned that after so much wind and rain they 

 are certain to be very wild. However, if I merely 

 have a glimpse of some of these beautiful birds I shall 

 be quite satisfied and well rewarded for the trouble, or 

 rather I should say the pleasure, of a climb amidst such 

 grand and, to-day, glowing scenery; for the sun, by 

 way of a change, is shining brightly over hill and dale, 

 moorland and mountain. Alighting at the keeper's 

 lodge, I laid hold of the double-barrelled^breechloader, 



