THE STALK CONCLUDED. 65 



tiously approaching, he gradually shortens the distance 

 between them, and succeeds in creeping close up to 

 the animal unobserved. And now, anxious, if possible, 

 to avoid the noise of a shot, he watches his opportunity ; 

 and at length, leaping into the burn in the rear of the 

 beast, before it can turn round upon him, almost 

 helpless as it is from loss of blood and the disabled 

 limb behind, as well as harassed and impeded by the 

 loose stones in the burn, and agitated by the suddenness 

 of the attack, he springs upon its back, and, plunging 

 his knife deep into its breast, thus terminates the 

 existence of the famed stag of Ben Rhynie. 



Such, was one of many " olden memories " of the 

 grey-haired poacher. Other stories were related in 

 the course of our somewhat lengthy morning call ; but 

 I must postpone them till I have more leisure, lest I 

 glut my reader's interest by too abundant a supply at 

 first. 



The salmon-season is fast drawing to a close. I 

 hope we shall be able to make the most of the few 

 days that remain, and that my next chapter may report 

 successful sport. 



