GOOD SPORT. 287 



secure of the wind ; then, snatching up a rifle in one hand, 

 Jamieson following him with another, he waved his hand 

 to Lightfoot, got quickly forward, and clambered up a 

 rock, where all posted themselves aloft. 



They had not been in this commanding position five 

 seconds before the deer came racing below them over the 

 naked ground, at an easy distance. When Lightfoot saw 

 the hinds, who were leading, he was in the act of raising 

 his rifle, but his arm was immediately arrested by Tortoise, 

 who continued to hold it with a significant look, but in 

 silence. Now carne one of the wonderful harts ; he 

 was a stupendous animal, very sleek in his coat, and had 

 royal antlers ; that is to say, three points on each horn. 

 "Take him," said Tortoise, letting go his friend's arm; 

 " and fire well forward." 



The old rocks of Cairn-cherie rang to the rifle sound ; 

 the deer slackened his pace, and then stood still. This 

 shot had scarcely been fired, before another monster came 

 in view Tortoise levelled; the fatal trigger was pulled, 

 the hart catched his side, stood for a space, and then 

 went slowly on with the rest. The third hart swerved a 

 little below the hill, and never came within distance. 



" Joy to you, my friend, your deer is safe enough, and 

 so is mine I hope. Lie still, for Heaven's sake, give him 

 time, or you will spoil all; he is sick he is dying I " 



The poor fellow stood for a short space, with his fore- 

 legs extended ; his knees then bent a little : his head rose 

 and fell alternately for a few moments ; his whole frame 

 quivered, and down he sank to eternal rest. The pangs 

 of death were brief, but very painful to witness. They 

 now went forward, and the knife was plunged into him, 



