CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 185 



head (the source of the river Exe) and over Pray- 

 way, descended Longcombe, and passing over Oare 

 Common to Culbone Wood, went to sea. There 

 were but few who had Hved with the hounds up to 

 this point, and who witnessed the hind steadily 

 swimming from the shore towards the coast of 

 Wales. A boat was sent for to Porlock, but ere 

 the messenger returned, the boat of a coasting 



"'^MM.t55i^>^ 



(Jare Common. 



vessel going up Channel was lowered and manned 

 for the purpose of giving chase. Shortly after- 

 wards the Porlock boat hove in sight, and the crew 

 quickly appreciating the intentions and object of 

 their rivals, pulled lustily towards the deer, then nearly 

 three miles from the shore. The boat of the trader 

 had, however, the advantage in start, and before 

 long came alongside the prize, which, however, by 

 wily turns and rapid doublings, evaded capture for 



