TWO CHAMOIS HUNTS 79 



I hastily seize the glass to get a view of his 

 horns. I can see them clearly. He is a fine 

 animal. 



The doe must have noticed my movement, 

 for she starts, stops dead, glances quickly 

 towards us and whistles. 



Briigger is against my shooting. He says 

 they are too far away. 



I, however, am afraid the buck may make 

 off. Very carefully I slip behind the great 

 roots of the fir and rest my gun on the knap- 

 sack which we have opened. I sight the 

 chamois anxiously through the glass, but, in 

 my anxiety, it has become clouded by my 

 breath. 



I have to lay down the gun and get out my 

 handkerchief to wipe the glass. A terrible 

 moment, this, one eye squinting towards the 

 buck all the time. 



At last I am ready to take aim, then a 

 slight touch and the rest is in the hands of fate. 



On all fours the buck springs into the air; 

 then stands still; then he goes backwards a 

 few steps and then slides and slides farther 



