THE ISLAND OF HITTEREN 49 



Ralph Riddell Carre, and myself late one August 

 evening, from the Wilson steamer, after a somewhat 

 rough passage, and next day went up to our stalking- 

 hut by the shores of Stor Fjeld Lake for the usual 

 fishing picnic, and to take our first stretch of forest 

 walking. About 5 p.m. I left my companions fishing 

 in the loch, with a request to return home to dinner 

 without me if I did not return in reasonable time. 

 I might have had a presentiment, perchance, of what 

 was to befall. Beyond the lake was some open, 

 undulating ground, studded here and there with small 

 lakes and isolated patches of birch and pine wood. 

 It was a very quiet and out-of-the-way part of our 

 ground, a favourite resort, at times, for good stags. 

 Daniel Strom was with me, and, though ostensibly 

 bound on a fishing picnic, he had thoughtfully 

 brought the rifle in its cover, and I had my stalking- 

 glass. We went a mile beyond the lake to a con- 

 venient ridge, whence much of the open ground could 

 be spied. It was a lovely evening, without any 

 wind, and not a cloud in the sky. I had already 

 commenced to develop a thirst. The glass swept the 

 ground in front, Daniel meanwhile lighting his pipe. 

 Then, after a pause : ' I can see deer, Daniel,' said I. 

 4 A hind, I think.' Daniel was only faintly interested. 

 I looked closer, and then made out a larger beast, 

 evidently a stag. But the deer were over a mile 

 away, feeding in an open valley, and the quality 

 and size of the stag were somewhat difficult to 

 make out. I gave Daniel the glass. After a long 

 look he shook the ashes out of his pipe and showed 

 signs of animation. ' A fine stag, I am sure,' 

 said he. 



All thoughts of dinner were flung to the winds. 



4 



