THE OLD BUCK. 335 



some cause or other I was unable to do so. There I 

 stood, the magnificent stag opposite me, and I charm- 

 struck and spell-bound. The slightest movement of 

 the finger would have been enough, but I could not 

 move it ; and only when he had disappeared, did my 

 fast-clenched teeth relax, and I drew a long breath 

 and felt myself relieved. 



Since then I have understood the power of the snake 

 over other animals ; how by fixing its eyes on a bird 

 or rabbit the prey will become so fascinated as to be 

 helpless for escape, but awaits the monster's approach, 

 and even walks into his jaws. The influence, it is true, 

 is not quite the same in both cases ; for in the hunter 

 this want of power to execute his will does not arise 

 from fear, but is probably merely an intense anxiety 

 not to miss the mark, a violent struggle between sud- 

 denly aroused emotions. In time the "fever" wears off; 

 yet occasionally, though you flatter yourself you are 

 grown stoically calm, and that an old sportsman like 

 you is not to be disturbed by such freaks and fancies, 

 occasionally, I say, if you are kept long in suspense, 

 you too will get the "fever;" you will feel it laying 

 hold of you in spite of all your efforts to shake it off*. 



I do not remember any allusion to this extreme 

 state by English sportsmen. They acknowledge being 

 " nervous ;" nothing however transpires of chattering 



* I know a forester who has never been able to get over it. I 

 once saw him when we were out together after a stag. " He's com- 

 ing ! he 's coming ! " he stammered, as he caught sight of antlers 

 between the trees, and his eyes stared, and he trembled as though it 

 had been a ghost. 



