62 THE STALK RESUMED. 



having noted the ground, he determined to make the 

 best approach, and began his descent of the mountain- 

 side by the course of a burn which wound its way 

 through the glen below, and passed within a few yards 

 of the reposing deer, the position of which, as well as 

 its apparent size, almost convinced him that it must 

 be the special object of his search. Matters were so 

 far in his favour; and now he almost regretted his 

 scruples as to bringing his gun. Armed as he was, he 

 could do little against the antlered monarch of the 

 forest ; but, at all events, he was resolved to get as 

 near as possible, and make out whether it really were 

 the wounded animal or not. On he went along the 

 burn, ever keeping out of sight and in a stooping 

 posture, and moving more slowly and cautiously as he 

 gained the vicinity of the game, lest he should create 

 an alarm even by turning a stone noisily. He had 

 crept, according to his own calculations, to within a 

 hundred yards of the spot, when he ventured to look 

 cautiously over the bank, but nothing could he see. 

 He advanced a few yards further, and then, on again 

 peering through the heather, what a sight greeted his 

 eyes ! There before him lay the big stag, to all 

 appearance lifeless; but, as it might be only asleep, 

 he still moved silently. Again therefore creeping on, 

 under shelter of the bank, he once more looked up, and 

 found himself within twenty yards of the deer, still 

 lying motionless and undisturbed. He watched for 

 some moments, transfixed to the spot. He could not 

 approach nearer under cover, as the burn now took a 

 turn and receded; but still he was in doubts whether 

 to step up to the animal at once, or to leave him till the 

 morrow, when he might return with his gun. While, 

 however, he was halting between two opinions, the stag 



