232 SEAL-SHOOTING. 



that he also dashed off into his native element, but on 

 the opposite side of the point to his mother. 



I now expected to see no more of either, at least 

 within shot; but very soon the old seal re-appeared, 

 about two hundred yards from shore, and not quite 

 opposite the point. But to my astonishment I per- 

 ceived that she at once began to make for her former 

 position. I reloaded my rifle, as she was now evidently 

 in search of her cub, and I might yet have a second 

 shot. 



Twice or thrice she dived ; and during each dive I 

 ran forward, so as to be near the beach to receive her 

 warmly in case she came sufficiently near. At last, I 

 had just reached the water's edge, and was standing at 

 the very point of the promontory, when her head ap- 

 peared above water within fifteen yards of me. Before 

 she could again get under water, I fired, and the ball 

 entered her head between her two nostrils and passed 

 out through the brain behind. Of course she was 

 perfectly dead ; this, however, I did not know at the 

 time, and not being a very expert swimmer, though she 

 floated on the surface, within twelve or fifteen yards of 

 me, I scarcely liked venturing into deep water, lest on 

 being touched she might partially revive, and deal me 

 an unpleasant cuff in an element where I had the 

 disadvantage. However, as she gradually began to 

 drift away with the tide, I saw there was nothing else 

 to be done, so stripping as rapidly as possible, I 

 screwed up the necessary courage and swam out ; a few 

 cautious strokes brought me alongside; I gave the body 

 a gentle push, but no signs of life appeared ; the push 

 was repeated, this time less gently but with the same 

 result; and now assured that there was no danger, I 

 swam towards the shore, shoving my prize before me. 



