448 THE EASTERN HUNTEES. 



task would have been impossible ; but Norman was 

 naturally lean, sound in wind and limb, and from 

 the training he had undergone during the past 

 month, was in very good condition. 



Lying on his side he worked out from behind the 

 stem of the tree. Clear of this, he pushed his 

 rifle in front, and then drawing up his legs sideways 

 thrust his body forward. Karely raising his head 

 more than a few inches from the ground, and then 

 only to bring his eyes on a level with the top of the 

 mound, he advanced by successive efforts of this 

 nature, till he thought he could without danger 

 assume a less trying position. 



Once while moving in this snake-like manner he 

 had seen the tips of the deer's horns rise above the 

 bush, and by their position, knew that it was looking 

 in his direction. It evidently had some suspicion of 

 the vicinity of danger, though it was unable to 

 detect it. Norman lay quite flat and motionless 

 till the horns disappeared, and then recommenced 

 his trying, tedious course. 



As he approached the mound, he found that he 

 was able to change his posture to a crawling one, 

 and still keep his body concealed. But all his 

 trouble and caution appeared likely to be of no 

 avail. Again the horns rose over the bush, and 

 Norman, once more extending himself at full length. 



* O Q * 



