STAG WOUNDED. 141 



took their departure ; Walter was to creep down to a 

 projecting rock, whence he might secure a shot, should 

 there be anything lying under the cliff; while Gillespie 

 was to survey the glen from a third position. Every- 

 thing being thus settled, we started for our several 

 posts. 



Having reached the pass, which I found not more 

 than fifty yards wide, so that, should the deer come 

 that way, I could not fail to have a good chance of 

 success, I ensconced myself quietly behind a rock, and 

 waited the result. Having continued here for some 

 time without anything occurring, I began to fear that 

 we were once more disappointed, when my ear suddenly 

 caught the sharp crack of Walter's rifle, followed, after 

 a moment's pause, by a second. 



It was now evident that some game had been found; 

 but whether I was to share in the sport, or not, 

 remained to be seen. At once, however, cocking my 

 gun, I strained my ears, expecting each moment to 

 catch the first sounds of the retreating deer, as they 

 galloped up the steep ascent ; but they came not. At 

 length, satisfied that they must have taken a different 

 route, I left my position, and started with all speed to 

 rejoin Walter. 



Breathless with excitement and exertion, I presently 

 joined my friend, just as he had reloaded his two 

 barrels ; and following with my eye the direction indi- 

 cated by his digit, I perceived four deer two hinds 

 and a stag cantering up the further end of the glen, 

 followed at a considerable interval by a large stag, 

 evidently much disabled, though making immense 

 efforts to keep within sight of his companions. 



Gillespie had surveyed the valley from a point 

 whence he could see all the ground below, except the 

 part lying immediately at the base of the cliff. Dis- 



