92 SIR VICTOR BROOKE CHAP. 



got a long shot, but did no good. Francis then came 

 up, mad with excitement and joy, and told me he had 

 left the Lascar who had run up with the ibex. As 

 we got near the place, what was my horror to see the 

 old fellow on his legs and going at a sad slow walk 

 away. Knowing how dangerous it is to run after any 

 wounded animal you only drive them on when they 

 would otherwise lie down I loaded and then followed 

 him gently, but oh ! how can I write it ? I saw every 

 stride the powerful beast was gaining strength. I ran, 

 oh ! how I ran, and at last, exhausted, fired my barrel, 

 but who shoots straight after such a run? I missed, 

 dropped the old gun, and tried to keep the wounded 

 beast in sight, but rise after rise he gained, and at last 

 disappeared in among the precipices. I knew my fate 

 then, and will your kind hearts blame the old hunter 

 when he owns that two great salt drops, perhaps per- 

 spiration, rolled slowly down his weatherbeaten cheek ? 

 It was a trial, the hardest I ever had in my shooting 

 experience ; I never got him, and what I went through 

 looking for him, I won't trouble you with, but will 

 conclude with fondest love to all. 



I am off to-day after ibex for two weeks." 



To HIS MOTHER. 



" OOTACAMUND, 



NEILGHERRY HILLS, 

 "2nd March 1863. 



One more short glimpse at civilisation again. I only 

 returned the day before yesterday from the most happy 

 month I ever spent ; for four weeks Brine and I never 

 saw anything but the wild mountains and forests and 

 our cosy little tent ; we have had glorious sport, and I 

 most thoroughly enjoyed myself. First of all, Brine has 



