AN OBSTINATE TRIGGER. 95 



in the water, would hazard an aquatic performance ; 

 but my doubts were soon solved, for on reaching 

 the margin, with surprise I saw the deer upon the 

 ledge of ice attached to the bank struggling violently 

 to keep his footing, the disabled leg, which appeared to 

 hang powerless, evidently now causing serious incon- 

 venience to his progress over the slippery surface. 

 Such an opportunity to finish my work was not to be 

 neglected, so cocking the rifle I pitched it forward and 

 drew a bead, but still no report followed. All my 

 power and exertion could not pull the trigger. Again 

 and again I looked at the lock, and essayed another 

 effort, but with the same result. At length, in despair, 

 I desisted, and the deer, having altered his mind, came 

 ashore and disappeared through the tangled brake. 

 Of course, to examine the gun and inform myself what 

 was wrong was my first thought. My surprise may be 

 well imagined when, with all my endeavours, I could 

 not get the hammer down ; there it would stand, not a 

 particle of compromise was in the confounded thing. 

 All my skill in mechanism was called into play, all 

 my past experience put to use, and not until my 

 patience was nearly exhausted did I discover the 

 use of the second trigger. Discouraged I was, but 

 whether most at my own stupidity or want of luck I 

 know not. Still hoping for another chance, I followed 

 on in no very amiable frame of mind. 



Time fled and the long shadows of the trees told 

 of the rapid approach of night, still not a sight did I 

 further get of the buck ; and to add to my troubles, 

 the tracks a second time led through ground that hogs 

 had lately fed over. Never was I so sorely puzzled. 

 Back and forwards I searched, my eyes nearly strained 



