428 ifcfnss of tbe 1Rot>, IRtfle, an& Oun 



passed the lower grounds. There might be some four 

 or five hundred of them altogether. 



The deer now began to form into a more compact 

 body. Some looked back, some towards the slaps in 

 the dykes, others to the east and west. Now they drew 

 up on an eminence to the east : they longed for the 

 security of the woods, but were afraid to venture. 

 Sometimes they were about to break to the west, some- 

 times on the opposite quarter ; but at every point they 

 met with opposition. At these critical moments various 

 were the pushes made by the sportsmen in the rear to 

 each flank of the green knows, in accordance with their 

 motions. Still as they ran they were concealed under 

 the rising ground. Pressed on their flanks, and alarmed 

 on their rear, the woods seemed the only refuge for the 

 herd ; and a long string of harts and hinds raced away 

 within shot of the stone dyke that bounded them ; the 

 rest of the body lingered behind, as if to ascertain how 

 the experiment would succeed. 



Now began the din of arms : two rifle shots echoed 

 through the hollow woods, and two noble harts bit the 

 dust. * That must be the Duke's deed : it is his Grace's 

 usual station ; besides it was done so cleverly.' Other 

 shots followed, more or less successful, which turned the 

 leaders, and those that came up in the rear sprang high 

 in the air over their fallen comrades, wheeled back and 

 all again assembled on the flat ground. They now knew 

 that they were beset on all sides, and soon came to a 

 decision. The hinds had hitherto taken the lead ; but, 

 pressed as they now were, a more undaunted chief took 

 the command Stern and determined, a magnificent 



