156 CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 



steeds, though some of the few that still keep their 

 place look as if they had had enough, — 



' And many a gallant stayed perforce, 

 Was fain to breathe his faultering horse ; 

 So shrewdly, on the mountain side, 

 Had the bold burst their mettle tried,' 



and on Countisbury Common catch the first and 

 welcome breezes of the Channel, and slacken our 

 speed as the pack turn unmistakably towards the 

 sea, where we know our gallant stag will stop to 

 refresh himself. Nor are we mistaken, for as we 

 turn into one of the steep paths of Glenthorn, 

 overhanging the Channel, we see below us our 

 quarry, dripping from his recent bath, standing 

 proudly on a rock surrounded by the flowing tide, 

 and watching his pursuers with anxious eyes. The 

 hounds bay him from the land ; one adventurer 

 from the pack takes the water, and already is at the 

 base of the cliff on which the deer stands. Poor 

 victim ! Scarce has he lifted himself from the 

 waves when he is dashed back again by an unerring 

 blow struck quick as lightning by the forefoot of the 

 deer, and floats a corpse on the waters from which a 

 moment ago he emerged. 



Meantime the news of the chase has brought 

 together the rustics who are working near the spot. 



