442 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



leaving the ground at the same time. Mackenzie 

 observed this sign, and knowing that it very likely 

 foreboded an immediate departure, pulled up his 

 old mare, who stood quite still, and singled out a 

 fine buck, which stood broadside on, about one hun- 

 dred and twenty yards distant. It was looking at 

 the suspicious doe, as he brought his rifle to his 

 shoulder. Kaising the end sight gradually up its 

 fore leg, till it dwelt for a moment steady when it 

 reached the shoulder, he pulled the trigger, and the 

 report was instantaneously followed by the " thud." 

 The gallant buck sprang into the air, gave one long 

 bound, and rolled over, kicking all four legs in the 

 air as it lay prostrate and helpless. 



The herd galloped away in a panic, and Mac- 

 kenzie immediately cantered up to the dying buck, 

 dismounted, tied the bridle of his well-accustomed 

 mare to a bush, and drawing his hunting-knife, soon 

 dispatched the beautiful creature. 



Norman had, from a distance, observed Mac- 

 kenzie's movements, and prepared himself to take 

 advantage of the flight of the deer, should they for- 

 tunately make it in his direction. He had directed 

 his attendants to squat down on the ground, behind 

 some low bushes ; and leaving them in charge of 

 his pony, he sought the cover afforded by the stem 

 of a solitary tree which grew at some distance, and 



