70 FORAYS AMONG SALMON AND DEER. 



the echoes of the rocks around, and the stag fell ; while 

 the remaining two took to flight, and scoured across 

 the moor. Having no second barrel in reserve, there 

 was nothing for it but to rush in, and if possible termi- 

 nate the matter with the knife. Scarcely, however, 

 had he approached within ten paces of the prostrate 

 deer, when it suddenly sprang to its feet, charged Rob, 

 and overthrew, though without seriously hurting him, 

 and then made off at a surprising rate for the hill. 

 Ruefully rose the poacher from the ground, shook him- 

 self, and gazed disconsolately after the receding beauty. 

 He saw distinctly that the animal's movements were 

 made with difficulty, and that he must soon come to a 

 stop. Once more, therefore, he loaded with slugs, and 

 followed, as fast as his shaken limbs, the rough nature 

 of the ground, and the waning light of day would 

 allow. But he gradually lost all sight and trace of the 

 deer; and as it grew dark he was compelled reluctantly 

 to give up the search. On the morrow he felt sure he 

 should find the stag stiff and feeble, and then a bullet 

 brought from his stock at home would speedily decide the 

 event. But then came the unpleasant recollection that 

 the morrow was the Sabbath ; and Rob, like many more 

 of his countrymen, had his scruples, almost amounting 

 to superstition, regarding the observance of this day. 

 On six days in the week he could, and constantly did, 

 shoot his deer or other game, in spite of law ; but that 

 same law he could not prevail on himself to break by 

 the open desecration of the Sabbath. Though he would 

 drink whisky to any extent within doors, he would not 

 violate the law without. 



The morrow came. The whole morning passed and 

 Rob had not crossed his threshold, though his whole 

 thoughts were engrossed by the unsatisfactory events 

 of yesterday. 



