122 NEWFOUNDLAND 



which probably continued as far as the Partridgeberry Hills. 

 About twelve miles up stream, on the left bank, rose the 

 mountain marked in the map as Burnt Hill, seventy miles 

 from the lake and eighty-five from the sea. This marks the 

 farthest point reached by us, progress by means of the canoes 

 being now impossible. In a moderately wet season there 

 would be no difficulty in going much farther, but the drought 

 had effectually stopped us, and we could do nothing more 

 but pack ahead, which I had no wish to do. I only intended 

 to kill one more stag, and that I hoped to get near my 

 present camp. Evening came on, and I strolled up the river 

 to meet Bob, who had gone on ahead. After waiting some 

 time the shadows increased, and soon it would be too dark 

 to see a deer, so I rose and tramped home. Turning the 

 last corner I saw a stag crossing a shallow about 200 yards 

 above my camp, and Sandy standing up black and prominent 

 in front of the camp fire, lost in admiration. Having no wish 

 to slay my excellent helper, I waited till the deer had moved 

 half-way across the river, and I had time to thoroughly exa- 

 mine his head. It was a grand one, with splendid tops. The 

 stag was a good 300 yards away, and I dared not approach 

 nearer, as what wind there was blew straight down stream. 

 A long rock with a ridge afforded a comfortable place to lie 

 upon for the shot, and my coat a suitable rest, so raising 

 the rifle I found I could scarcely see the foresight. Putting 

 it under the deer which was now standing broadside, I raised 

 it slowly and pulled ; the bullet went over his back perhaps 

 an inch or two ; at the second shot the same thing happened, 

 and the stag moved fast for the far bank. As he walked I 

 fired again a little lower, this time with success. The ball 

 reached him, passed through his neck, and he simply lay 

 down in the river-bed without other movement. 



