THE LAST DAY AT CHEE-HA. 219 



ridge in the rear, and may soon be lost that must 

 not be " and I dasli away at full speed to intercept 

 them. It was no easy task to beat them off, heated 

 as they were in the chase, and stimulated by the 

 report of the gun. I rode across their track, and 

 shouted, and blew my horn ; but all in vain when 

 the drivers came up opportunely to my assistance ! 

 By dint of chiding, and smacking of whips, they at 

 last succeeded in drawing off the hounds, that were 

 almost frantic with eagerness to pursue the deer ! 

 The horns then sound a call, and the hunters come 

 dropping in. 



"Why have you stopped, the dogs? said the 

 Laird, with something of brusquerie in his man- 

 ner. 



" Because they are out of the drive ; and, if not 

 stopped, may be lost for the day." 



" But I have shot a buck," said he. 



""Where is he?" 



" Gone on," said he ; " but I'm sure they'll catch 

 him in short order." 



" So very sure ! found blood then ?" 



"No." " 



" How far off was he when you fired ?" 



" Oh, for that matter, he was jumping over 

 me!" 



"Then he carries shot bravely," said I; "but 

 14, 



