A LONG STALK. 59 



took aim and fired, but apparently without any effect. 

 At this instant, to his further amazement and annoy- 

 ance, 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, Bob at once 

 recognised the famous stag of Ben Rhynie. All this 

 took place in a much shorter time than my description 

 has occupied ; and Rob had no leisure for reflection. 

 It was now, however, evident that they were making 

 for their inaccessible retreats in the mountain, and 

 unless something was done, and that without delay, the 

 opportunity was lost. Rob was not the man to let slip 

 an occasion, if it could be used in any way ; and of the 

 present he determined to make the best, for the 

 circumstances. Of bullets, which were almost indis- 

 pensable, he had none, save at home ; and to fetch 

 them was out of the question. Slugs were of no use, 

 unless he could get very near the game. But as there was 

 no remedy for it, he was fain to make a trial. Accord- 

 ingly he set off by a circuitous route, through paths 

 best known to himself, hoping that the deer might 

 slacken their pace, and he might yet intercept them 

 before they were lost in the mountain. 



After a forced march of some three miles, he gained 

 a spot whence, with the wind in his favour, he could 

 command a view of them as they approached, if they 

 had not already passed ; and as he could detect no 

 fresh tracks, he concluded that he was beforehand with 

 them. Here therefore, he took his stand, and, located 

 behind a large grey rock, waited anxiously for their 

 approach. 



Presently they were in view, the big stag leading the 



