THE RETURN HOME. 143 



unexplored, though we followed the course of every 

 burn, and visited every spot where the animal could 

 have sought shelter, not a trace of him could we dis- 

 cover. In this manner the morning slipped away. 

 The ground had been so thoroughly disturbed yester- 

 day that not a deer was to be seen ; and it was not till 

 two o'clock that we discovered three feeding, but at so 

 great a distance and in such difficult ground, that it 

 would require two hours to stalk them ; and as we had 

 a walk of not less than fourteen or fifteen miles 

 between us and home, that was out of the question. 

 Accordingly seeing that further sport, for to-day at 

 least, was not to be had, we started for the Laird's, 

 where, after a smart walk of four hours, over ground 

 that would try to the utmost most southron nerves, we 

 arrived in time for a hearty welcome, a hospitable 

 meal, and pleasant company. 



