272 CHAMOIS HUNTING. 



of rock that had here formed an embankment. We 

 crept through the underwood, and as we came nearer 

 I advanced alone. Kneeling among the moss, I could 

 look down into the haunt of the chamois. On one 

 side rose a green hillock, and about it long grass was 

 growing, and shrubs overhung the nook, making of 

 that patch of ground a bright verdant spot a little 

 oasis amid the barrenness. I fancied to myself it 

 must be very pleasant behind that hillock, a cozy 

 little home such as children, in the overflowing rich- 

 ness of their imagination, see with their mind's eye, 

 and in their play will try to build up and make a 

 reality, a retreat that nobody is ever to know any- 

 thing about, all covered over with nice yielding turf. 

 While looking at the green bank, and dallying thus 

 with old recollections (by the way what a simpleton 

 my companion would have thought me, had he known 

 what I was about) two most delicately-formed little 

 ears rose from behind it, then suddenly disappeared. 

 They came again, and with them this time the pretty 

 head of a kid, nibbling a blade of grass. It was rather 

 toying with the herbage than browsing upon it ; and 

 it pricked its ears, and bright glances darted from its 

 dark eyes, and it leaped and disported itself in the 

 very happiest play. I turned to Neuner, putting one 

 finger on my lips, and then pointed down toward the 

 watercourse. He was soon by my side. Hidden by 

 a bush I watched for what else might come, for I 

 knew it was not likely the kid would be alone. Its 

 head came forth, now on one side, now on the other, 



