68 FORAYS AMONG SALMON AND DEER. 



Once upon a time there was a famous hart known to 

 frequent the fastnesses of Ben Rhyuie, the head of 

 which was for a long while an object of ambition 

 among all the foresters, sportsmen, and poachers, who 

 shot per fas aut nefas in the neighbourhood. But he 

 seemed to bear a charmed life, not even a bullet of 

 silver, it was said, could harm him ; and he continued, 

 in spite of their patience and perseverance, to baffle 

 them all. 



On one occasion, however, Rob had been out with 

 his gun, tempted as well by the want of something to 

 do, as by a great desire for a venison steak for his next 

 day's (Sabbath) dinner. He had searched various 

 woods for roe, but without success, and was wending 

 his way homeward, his gun slung carelessly over his 

 shoulder, and <c whistling to keep his courage up," 

 when, just as he was mounting a little knoll in the 

 midst of an open moor, he suddenly was aware of a 

 hart standing within a hundred yards, and staring him 

 full in the face. Instinctively he put his gun to his 

 shoulder, but as quickly withdrew it, on recollecting 

 that it was only loaded with slugs, which he knew 

 would be of little avail against such large game. 

 Small, however, as was the chance of success, there 

 was nothing else for it ; so, without more waste of time, 

 he took aim and fired, but apparently without any 

 effect. At this instant, to his further amazement and 

 annoyance, his gun being now unloaded, two deer, 

 before unseen, uprose from the heather, alarmed by the 

 report, and joining their companion bounded away 

 across the moor at a rapid pace. One of them was a 

 magnificent stag ; and, from his huge proportions, Rob 

 at once recognised the famous stag of Ben Rhynie. All 

 this took place in a much shorter time than my descrip- 

 tion has occupied ; and Rob had no leisure for reflection. 



