LADAK. 145 



with small prospect of success, the ground being level 

 and bare, we prepared to stalk them. The game, num- 

 bering some twenty-five head, rufous coloured animals, of 

 deer-like form and action, with two small upright horns 

 curving backwards, were gamboling, moving here and 

 there ; nor did they become aware of dangerous neigh- 

 bours, until we were about a hundred yards from them, 

 when they stood gazing for some seconds, presenting a fair 

 mark. But, alas ! my lungs wjdere heaving so that I could 

 not take aim, Subhan, in spite of my oft-repeated lectures 

 and warnings, hurrying on 'ventre a terre/ so that with 

 the attitude I was quite distressed, and only looked and 

 longed at the inviting target before me, entertaining a 

 sort of hope that they would give me time. But not so ; 

 a few seconds only to gaze, and away they cantered in a 

 string across us. Rising, I aimed at the line ; the ball 

 struck true in direction but low, I think, the scared 

 animals dashing aside right and left. A thud, however, 

 was heard, and we all thought that one was hit ; when 

 looking some little distance beyond, there stood an un- 

 fortunate bullock, one hind leg slightly raised from the 

 ground, and blood trickling down. There was only time 

 for an exclamation or two as we followed the herd now 

 making for a hill, when they were on which I fired my 

 battery at them, the distance three or four hundred yards, 

 the balls striking right amongst them wonderful how 

 they all missed ! 



Now came full upon me the sense of my misfortune 

 and ill luck. There stood the hapless bullock patiently 

 and silently enduring his wrongs, his poor wounded leg 

 still shrinking from the ground on which the oozing blood 

 was frothing. I was much annoyed and grieved at this 

 mishap. The poor wounded creature looked so melancholy 

 in its patient, silent attitude, and I feared the wound was 



