156 LEAVES FEOM A GAME BOOK. 



before he does, you will cut him off, for that will 

 be his line, and I'm thinking you will get there in 

 time." 



The aforesaid *' stane " was about a mile in front of 

 the stag, but much nearer to me than to him, so taking 

 my bearings I dashed off best pace. It was a down-hill 

 run, the ground completely hid me, and reaching the 

 indicated spot, puffing and blowing like a grampus, I just 

 had time to settle myself in a happy position to await 

 the issue of Edmund's prophecy. The matter was quickly 

 settled, as I soon saw the stag trotting exactly in the 

 line foretold, when, as he came broadside to me, I rolled 

 him over stone dead ; then running up, I bled him and 

 awaited the advent of Edmund the prophet, w^ho shortly 

 put in an appearance, the while smiling proudly at the 

 success of his strategy, although he was polite enough 

 to declare all his pleasure was derived solely from 

 witnessing my part of the performance. Then we started 

 once more in quest of yet a third shot, and luck 

 favouring us, the chance was quickly found, when once 

 more the bullet sped true. 



