REMIXISCEXCES OF A ROSS-SHIRE FOREST. 133 



Keeping this as a background, we cautiously crept 

 down a short way ; then being out of their sight, we 

 got on our feet, and made for them. Easier work 

 couldn't be imagined till we got within about three 

 hundred yards, when caution became the order of the 

 day. Getting on our hands and knees, we insinuated 

 ourselves round the corner of a rock, and began to 

 crawl, in single file, quietly ahead. 



" You will stop when I stop, sir ? " 



" All right, Duncan ; no fear." 



All-f<mrs, : ' albeit a favourite mode of progression 

 with those who have dined well, is more conducive 

 to safety than speed, and that hundred and fifty yards 

 took a good deal of time. Then under the lee of 

 some high heather I crept up alongside, and abreast 

 we lay contemplating the scene. 



" If I don't get him this time, Duncan," I whis- 

 pered, "I'll make straight for the Atlantic Ocean, 

 hail a passing steamer, and land myself at New York 

 or the Broomielaw. I don't care a damn which, but 

 I'm not going back to the Lodge." Duncan was 

 always ready with a smile, and he produced one on 

 this occasion as usual, but it was a good deal on one 

 side of his mouth. He had put his cap in his pocket, 

 a sure sign with him when business was meant, 

 and the drops of sweat were standing on his forehead. 



"Take a pull at the whisky," I said, "and get 

 along." 



Duncan took the proffered alcohol, but showed no 



