ABOUT SOME DEER. 235- 



the same level as the stag, but considerably to 

 his left, as if to guard the flank. 



We waited for about half-an-hour, and then 

 gradually, inch by inch, crawled away till we 

 reached the friendly shelter of a clump of bam- 

 boos, where we could once more stand upright. 

 Then, walking away, we made a considerable de- 

 tour, which necessitated an abrupt descent over 

 some very rough ground, the crossing of a little 

 stream knee-deep, and then another ascent up the 

 spur in the direction we had seen the hinds ad- 

 vancing from. All this took time, for the slope 

 was steep, covered with boulders, loose stones, 

 and dead leaves that, if stepped on, would crackle 

 at the slightest touch. Bending low, we advanced 

 just under the brow of the hill, towards the spot 

 which we had marked as being just above where 

 the stag was lying; and then Juggoo wriggles 

 himself, snake-like, up a rock, and his quick eye 

 catches sight of an ear. Alas ! it is that of the 

 last sentinel hind, so we have to retrace our steps. 

 At last, however, we reach the spot immediately 

 above the stag, and I creep up. 



I think few moments ever seemed longer to me 

 than those in which I was engaged crawling and 

 squirming myself over the rocks and loose stones r 

 with my heart in my mouth. Just as I gain the 



