FOLLOWING THE TRAIL. 93 



pressed, exultingly hoping that each minute would 

 finish the hunt ; but the deer thought otherwise, for 

 he was of a most unaccommodating disposition. Soon 

 it became apparent that the confounded brute was tra- 

 velling the same circle, and that, unless we altered our 

 plans, we might be kept going till dark; and as we 

 were not disposed to work harder than necessary, it 

 was agreed that I should drop behind and take up my 

 stand in the most eligible place, while Will con- 

 tinued the pursuit with the hope of driving our wily 

 foe past my ambush. Though the plan was well de- 

 vised, it failed in execution; for after an hour's tedious 

 delay my companion rejoined me, disgusted and dis- 

 pirited, heaping anathemas upon the foe, pronouncing 

 him to be one of the very foxiest brutes he had ever 

 come across. After all our trouble, it would never do 

 thus to be defeated ; so I proposed doing the track- 

 ing while he took a stand, at the same time changing 

 guns at his request. 



Full of hope, and animated with the desire of 

 distinguishing myself, I pushed forward with re- 

 newed energy. At first the trail was tolerably clear, 

 but, after some time, it led and twisted in every 

 direction through innumerable hog paths. Never was 

 I so sorely puzzled to keep correct, but with perse- 

 verance and care I managed to carry the track almost 

 across to clear ground, where I suddenly lost all signs, 

 and was completely brought to a stand-still. I was 

 aware that all dodges were practised, more particu- 

 larly when deer feel the effects of increasing weak- 

 ness and incapacity for further exertion ; so, hoping 

 that fortune would favour me, I determined, like a 

 skilful foxhunter, to make a cast completely round the 



