Sainbur. 247 



began to caress the hinds. When number one looked 

 up and saw as it were a, twin stag taking liberties 

 with his wives, he drew himself up to his full height, 

 gave a snort, and trotted towards his rival, who, in no 

 way embarrassed, devoted his attentions first to one 

 and then to another of the ladies. But though 

 apparently ignoring the advent of No. 1 stag, No. 2 

 had his eyes open, and when the other was within a 

 yard of him, he faced round and charged at his foe. 

 The two met, as we read knights did of old. Great 

 was the crash, neither gave away an inch. It was a 

 case of "push devil, push baker." The hinds col- 

 lected in a cluster and came nearer us, and looked on 

 as interested spectators of a grand combat. They were 

 splendidly matched the suborbital glands were 

 extended to the utmost ; fury glared out of their eyes 

 as they determinedly opposed each other. The fight 

 lasted about ten minutes. No. 2 stag must have been 

 in better wind and perhaps a little stronger, so forced 

 his rival backwards foot by foot. After a few vicious 

 prods, which inflicted wounds, they both retreated 

 backwards a few paces, then bounded forward and 

 again met in conflict ; this time No. 2 stumbled, 

 and his antagonist gave him a severe prod in the 

 side, which rolled him over. He then retreated a 

 yard or two, preparatory to a final effort to extinguish 

 his opponent, but it was evident that the latter was 

 not a novice, for he was on his feet instantly, jumped 

 aside, evaded the thrust, and in turn rolled over his 

 adversary and knelt on him. They were both pretty 

 well exhausted, but not much damage had been done 

 in the rough and tumble scramble. Finally both got 

 on their feet together, but their antlers were inter- 



