THE OLD BUCK. 293 



and you see there are no latschen the greater part of the 

 distance." 



While I listened to him I was examining the places he 

 was describing with my glass, following him step by step, 

 and looking out to find which would be the best spot 

 to attempt the passage. Once on the commanding crag 

 jutting out over the vale, I should command the whole 

 space where the chamois would be likely to pass, and 

 should have a fair though perhaps a long shot, as he 

 sauntered about on the patches of verdure, or sunned 

 himself on the blocks of stone. 



" I see the place where it would be most likely I could 

 get up," said I to Neuner : " the rock is steep, and the 

 ledge in one part very narrow, but still I think I could 

 manage it." 



"Bauer was there once, and said it was extremely 

 difficult, but I dare say you could do it; however," he 

 added, after a moment's reflection, " I have been think- 

 ing it would be better to try for him in another way. 

 We will go round the mountain, and you," turning to 

 the young forester who was with us, ' c you wait here an 

 hour, and then go up to the ridge, and keep along it for 

 a good distance. Afterwards you must climb along the 

 steep wall of rock above where we shall be standing, and 

 come out at the further end. Make as much noise as 

 you like, but do not start for a full hour. Let me see : 

 it is twelve now by my watch, — at one you can set off; 

 you will want an hour to reach the top." 



" Yes : full that," said the young fellow ; " His scram- 

 bling work there, but in about an hour I can do it." 



We went on, and presently were going to quit the 

 path and enter the wood, but Neuner thought it was 

 better to keep even still further down before doing so. 

 " He may see us," he said, " for the forest has been 



