DEERSTALKING. 209 



griping for his knife as he goes. I load and follow, 

 but my services are not needed ; no " in case " 

 occurs. Before I get half-way down I see Donald 

 savagely occupied with his knife at the veteran's 

 chest, and the grand historic head at rest on the 

 mossy ground. When I arrive on the spot, Donald's 

 face positively glows and effervesces with delight 

 and pride, and I am conscious of an increased 

 deference in his demeanour towards myself, which, 

 though there never was any previous lack of respect 

 on his part, is on the whole, I cannot deny it, 

 rather pleasant to me. 



There is no doubt of the fact that a certain 

 personal aggrandisement has accrued to me. 

 Throughout this glen and forest, and the whole 

 deer-stalking district around the " man who 

 killed * Clubfoot,' " will enjoy a certain celebrity, 

 deserved or not. I try not to exhibit undue 

 exaltation, and I shower praises on Donald for his 

 skill in the stalk, and especially on Archie, who 

 now comes panting up from the opposite side, 



p 



