SECOND STALK. 133 



were aiming, we started, at his suggestion, to 

 examine a fresh region, where there was a likelihood 

 of finding game which had not yet been disturbed. 



After walking for upwards of an hour, we reached a 

 sheltered hollow, overhung by a range of cliffs of 

 moderate height. Abounding in tall heather, which 

 afforded a warm lair for the deer, and intersected by a 

 small rocky stream, it was altogether a very likely 

 spot ; and Gillespie made his dispositions accordingly. 

 I was to be located at a pass by which the deer 

 usually 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. Everything 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 wajr, 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 niy 

 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. 



