232 DESPERATE PURSUIT. 



limbs: lightly does the hart regard them, as they are 

 swept to and fro by the rapids, and can scarcely hold their 

 own. But when he finds the taint in the air, and dis- 

 covers sterner foes, he looks forward to the free mountains 

 before him ; and again, breasting the flood, strives every 

 nerve to gain the heights of Ben-y-gloe. But, alas, it 

 may not be, Douglas and Croinie come fast upon his 

 traces ; and, after a rapid wheel, he plunges again into the 

 Tilt, and stops not, rests not, but down, down he goes, 

 through pool and over cataract, swimming, wading, and 

 rushing onward through the divided waters. The dogs, 

 close upon him, are borne down at times by the weight of 

 the flood, but rise up again to the surface, undaunted and 

 eager in the pursuit. 



At length, and almost at the departure of daylight, the 

 Duke comes forward with his good rifle ; one shot from 

 that unerring hand, an echo dying away through the 

 mountains, and see the fleet limbs fall powerless, and the 

 dun carcass goes floating down the stream, welling out the 

 life-blood. The current bears it onward rapidly, jostling 

 against the rocks, and wheeling in the eddies. In dash 

 the kilted foresters in gallant style, stemming the flood, 

 and stretching forth their arms in vain ; their daring was 

 perilous, girt round and opprest as they were with the 

 waters; but still the deer bore past them, always just 

 beyond their reach. 



But who is this coming forward with the ropes and 

 grappling-hooks ? Who but the excellent and trusty 

 M'Millan*, mounted on his Sheltie, " and charming the 



* John M'Millan entered the Duke of Atholl's service, in 1791, as 

 assistant-fisherman to Duncan Kennedy ; when Duncan died he be- 



