226 THE SKIRMISH. 



channel! Onward they rush, the moss-stained waters 

 flying around them, and are fast gaining the opposite bank. 



Their course being thus decidedly taken, the lurking 

 riflemen spring up at once, like Clan Alpine's warriors, 

 and rush forward on all sides. 



Those who were fortunate enough to be near the spot of 

 crossing had fair chances ; for though some of the herd 

 were cut off and turned back to the west, yet so long a 

 string passed across the glen, that they had time to fire, 

 and load, and fire again. 



Many riflemen came in, breathless, from more distant 

 stations ; some in time, and others all too late. Several 

 shots were fired in distance, and out of distance, with 

 various success; and the skirmish for a short space was 

 pretty brisk on all sides. The herd, having fairly crossed 

 the rocky channel of the- Tilt, scampered away at a 

 prodigious rate, and went forward, reeking and steaming, 

 right up the face of the great mountain. 



" Quick, quick, uncouple the lurchers." 



The dogs spring from the leash, strive and press for- 

 wards ; but are half-blown before they come up with 

 them. The herd now collect into a dense mass, each deer 

 wedging himself into it as he finds he is the particular 

 object of attack. Not a single hart fell out ; and the 

 hounds at length returned, with slinking countenances 

 and drooping sterns, lolling out their tongues, they lie 

 panting on the greensward. 



The sport however had been excellent; the Duke of 

 Atholl (always the most skilful and successful of the 

 party) killed three first-rate harts ; our friend Lightfoot 

 two, decidedly ; two more were killed, as your rustic 



