THE ALARMED BUCK. \ j \ 



As I was about to put my resolution in practice, I 

 thought I heard a voice, and, on looking in the direction 

 from whence it proceeded, I was surprised to see a couple 

 of hunters, with a cur dog, passing my retreat, about a hun- 

 dred yards off. He who has shot much in the timber well 

 knows that, if he remains quiet, the possibility is great that 

 those moving about may make the game start toward his 

 retreat. And well it was I did so; for ere five minutes 

 had passed, a grand old turkey, head down, and going like 

 a race-horse, ran past ; but turkey was not deer, so I let him 

 go, preferring to be without turkey to braving the wrath 

 of Will for firing at illegitimate game. How often pa- 

 tience and forbearance receive their reward ! and so it was 

 in this instance ; for scarcely had the gobbler gone when a 

 fine large buck hove in sight. From his manner, he was 

 evidently alarmed; for every now and then he stopped, 

 snorted, and continued his route. Unfortunately, he was 

 heading so as to pass farther off than would afford a good 

 shot, and the ground was too clear to permit me, with any 

 prospect of success, to better my position. I had almost 

 made up my mind not to shoot. However, I changed my 

 resolution ; for so soon as he came abreast of me, he halted, 

 and looked around. The temptation I could no longer with- 

 stand ; so, pitching my gun with due elevation, I let drive 

 the first barrel, with no apparent result, for the deer only 

 threw up his head and trotted off. The second charge I 

 quickly determined to put in; and holding well in front 

 and high, had the satisfaction of seeing his lordship make 

 a tremendous bound and drop his tail a certain indication 

 that some of the shot had taken effect ; but the distance 

 was so great that successful results could scarcely be ex- 

 pected. 



Nothing is so difficult as to obtain a gun that throws 

 buck-shot well. I am inclined to believe that gun-makers 



