64 CRAP-NA-GOWER. 



ing over the adjoining height. I was in no hurry this 

 time, and allowed him to cross fair, and so present the full 

 target of his side ; as I well knew that nothing could keep 

 him from the rocks but a rifle-ball. Crack ! The poor 

 animal gave a cry, something between a bleat and a howl, 

 (it was far too human to be agreeable,) walked on a 

 hundred yards, and then stopped. It was plain his race 

 was run. I loaded as quickly as I could, to put him out 

 of his misery; but whenever I attempted to move, he 

 braced himself up for a last struggle. With one desponding 

 look at his own Crap-na-Gower, which he now despaired 

 of reaching, and was never to see again, he turned his 

 back upon it, and hobbled slowly to the shore. I did 

 not press him. Poor fellow ! I felt too much for him for 

 that. Notwithstanding my " successful skill," I was far 

 enough from regarding him with " apathy.' 7 My great 

 anxiety was to end his woes. I watched him to the shore, 

 and then saw him wade out upon a rock surrounded by 

 water. Keeping out of his sight, I stalked him from 

 behind a heathery bank, which ran parallel to the shore, 

 till I got within thirty yards. When I peeped cautiously 

 through the heather, he was standing with his side to me, 

 and his head sunk down nearly to the rock, the very 

 picture of meek despair! Kesting my elbow upon the 

 heather, to make sure, I aimed at his heart. He gave one 

 brave bound from his rock to the shore, staggered, and fell 

 dead upon the beach. 



There were soon plenty of hands examining his wounds. 

 We found the first ball had grazed his neck, although I 



