96 THE PHANTOM STAG 



deer was grazing. We hardly took any notice 

 of them. Then I caught sight of something 

 suspicious moving in the thin wood behind the 

 herd. 



I leaped out of the carriage and looked 

 through the glass ! I undoubtedly recognized 

 the splendid stag, the famous fourteen-pointer ! 

 The herd began to move and made off through 

 an alder wood to an adjoining meadow. The 

 stag moved in their midst. 



The forester and I stalked them as quickly 

 as possible ; but they had already gone some 

 distance. At last, in a small field, we saw 

 the herd again. With infinite care we crept 

 towards them and managed to get within 

 possible range. The deer, however, were rest- 

 less and moved to and fro uneasily round the 

 border of the wood. 



There is scarcely light enough to shoot. 



In spite of that, after a most careful scrutiny 

 through the glass, I take particular care, 

 adjust the sights, and fire. There is just 

 enough light for me to see that the stag takes 

 a great leap, then drops dead. 



