THE HILL POACHER. 355 



coming below, was mistaken by for a stag's head 



and horns, and shot dead upon the spot. Quickly per- 

 ceiving his mistake, he rushed up, and, carrying the dead 

 man upon his shoulders, he pitched him over the adjoining 

 precipice, and made his companion take an oath that 

 he would never divulge the secret. The Highlanders are 

 a quick-witted people, however, and it was whispered 

 that there was a little round hole in the shepherd's bonnet, 

 which corresponded with another in his forehead, that 

 was never made by a dash against the rocks. Some time 

 after, the quondam minister's friend let out, in his cups, 

 the above particulars. But few care to deny that the 

 " puir lad's " death was occasioned by a false step over 

 the ravine, and the night wind still howls round his 

 lonely cairn at the foot of the rocks. 



