CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 139 



much time must elapse ere we see the tufters fairly 

 settled on their stag, and the monarch of the woods 

 driven from his stronghold. 



The harbourer approaches, and around him is 

 held a council. He is certain that the same stae 

 that we found in the covert a week a^o has aofain 

 made that favourite haunt his resting-place. He 

 fed in the turnips beyond the oak copse this 

 morning, and, though there are many hinds and 

 calves in the woods, by care and perseverance we 

 are assured that he will be found and got away. 

 I'he order is given to draft out the tufters, and 

 Sam proceeds to perform the duty. Let us follow 

 him. The hounds are shut up in a large barn, and 

 we hear them baying, as if to chide the delay which 

 takes place while preliminaries are being settled. 

 Cautiously Sam opens the door. A rush of hounds 

 is checked by the old fellow's voice and whip. 

 ' Get back, my darlins ! ' says Sam, as he checks 

 the impetuous advance of the eager babblers, and 

 singles out the staid and steady veterans, to whom 

 the business of ' tufting ' is to be confided. Far 

 back in the dim recesses of the hovel sits old 

 ' Shiner,' looking as if he were ashamed to appear 

 concerned, yet shuddering all over with excitement. 

 'Shiner,' savs Sam; 'Shiner, old man,' and the 



