204 THE STALK INTERRUPTED. 



patiently the disappointment, if after all the stalk 

 prove a failure, as it often does. Failure, however, 

 we will not now contemplate until it occurs, and then 

 cheerfully set ahout repairing it with redoubled 

 diligence. Away we go then, and in high spirits, for 

 there is noble game before us ; Hector has counted 

 twelve good points on one head, if not more, and we 

 are resolved, that if we fail, it shall not be from lack of 

 patience or care on our part. We dash across the low 

 ground, three in a row, leaping over the pits in the 

 peat bog, and clearing distances which would scarcely 

 be thought possible in cold blood. Now we breast the 

 steep ascent between two brother heights that crown 

 the glen, and find that in Hector we have a leader, who 

 certainly will not suffer the grass to grow under his 

 feet. But the mountain air invigorates the lungs, and 

 with chests expanded by the exercise, instead of 

 growing fatigued, we feel ourselves each moment more 

 equal to the efforts demanded. 



Yes, reader, 'tis a manly recreation this of deer- 

 stalking! where will you woo health in a more enjoy- 

 able or nobler way ? But what, in the name of Diana 

 and Nimrod, are we about ? Hector is sprawling flat 

 on his face, and in half choked accents is bidding us 

 to " flap " as well if we would not " al thegither " spoil 

 the sport of the day. In hurried whispers, we inquire 

 the cause of this sudden prostration ; and in whispers 

 as hurried are told that there are stags ahead of us 

 within 150 yards. " But I'm afeard, sir," added the 

 shepherd, " I'm afeard, sir, they're away. On question- 

 ing him we found, that just as we were reaching the 

 top of the pass, through which our course lay, Hector 

 had caught sight of the points of receding horns 

 receding however at so slow a pace, that he was 



