216 A GROUP OF SEVEN. 



He was right, for in about ten minutes, while skirting 

 the shore, my eyes rested on a magnificent stag, who 

 came at a sharp trot towards the light. J halted at once, 

 aimed at the animal's chest, and waited. 



He still advanced ; when he was within twenty paces 

 I pulled the trigger of my rifle. Bang ! The beast 

 bounded as if the ground had exploded under his feet ; 

 then he fell heavily to the earth : he had ceased to live. 



" Bravo ! bravo ! bravo ! " cried Mr. Eustace, Pat, and 

 David simultaneously, as they came to my assistance, 

 raised the beast, and transported it to the boat. 



"It is my turn now," said my host ; " may I have as 

 good luck as you have had !" 



His wish was speedily realized. The moon thought 

 fit to veil her serene face in presence of the slaughter 

 which had been committed before her. The most com- 

 plete obscurity again prevailed around us, and we advanced 

 stealthily beneath the tufted branches of the green forest 

 trees. 



" Look yonder ! " my comrade suddenly murmured in 

 my ear. " Let me fire if there is only a single beast ; but 

 if there are two, or a herd, we will aim together you on 

 the right, I on the left." 



I made a sign of assent, and we continued to glide 

 through the wood. 



Mr. Eustace was right. The deer were seven in num- 

 ber, and all of them, male and female, old and young, 

 with ears erect, eyes shining, and attention on the alert, 

 advanced towards us, curious to know the meaning of the 

 light at such an unusual hour. 



My host halted ; I did the same ; and we shouldered 

 our carbines simultaneously. 



