58 WADING A BURN. 



better means of approach. Tortoise,, in low whispers, 

 again entreated the strictest caution. 



" Raise not a foot nor a hand ; let not a hair of your 

 head be seen ; but, as you value sport, imitate my mo- 

 tions precisely : every thing depends upon this movement. 

 This spot once passed successfully, we are safe from the 

 hinds." 



He then made a signal for Sandy to lie down with the 

 dogs; and placing himself flat on his stomach, began to 

 worm his way close under the low ridge of the bog ; 

 imitated most correctly and beautifully by the rest of 

 the party. The burn now came sheer up to intercept the 

 passage, and formed a pool under the bank, running deep 

 and drumly. The leader then turned his head round 

 slightly, and passed his hand along the grass as a sign for 

 Lightfoot to wreathe himself alongside of him. 



" Now, my good fellow, no remedy. If you do not 

 like a ducking, stay here ; but if you do remain, pray lie 

 like a flounder till the shot is fired. Have no curiosity 

 I beg and beseech you ; and speak, as I do, in a low 

 whisper." 



" Pshaw, I can follow wherever you go, and in the same 

 position too." 



" Bravo ! here goes then. But if you love sport, do 

 not make a splash and noise in the water ; but go in as 

 quiet as a fish, and keep under the high bank, although 

 it is deeper there. There is a great nicety in going in 

 properly ; that is the difficult point. I believe it must be 

 head foremost ; but we must take care to keep our heels 

 down as we slide in, and not to wet the rifles. Hist, 



