394 POSITIONS FOR SPYING 



whistle ; the latter is also sometimes useful if a stag 

 has started to run too fast, for if the animal is unaware 

 of the stalker's whereabouts, it will stop for a few 

 seconds in order to ascertain whence the whistle pro- 

 ceeded ; a second whistle is generally fatal, as it at 

 once betrays the locality. The first whistle should not 

 be given until the stalker is ready to fire, and, as a 

 rule, the stag will, on hearing it, turn slowly round and 

 give a fair chance broadside on ; but such is only of a 

 second's duration, and must instantly be taken advan- 

 tage of. It is on such occasions as these that the 

 value of the express rifle is evident. 



The proper positions for spying are soon learned ; 

 for a novice has but to take notice as to how his guide 

 manages his glass and body, and he can thereby see 

 how much or how little concealment is necessary for 

 the occasion ; and if there is room for both the stalker 

 and his guide to spy together, without showing them- 

 selves too near the sky-line, the former can copy the 

 position of the latter. There are many steady posi- 

 tions which we make use of according to circumstances; 

 but the best and most comfortable is to recline against 

 a rock, the knees being well drawn up to support the 

 elbows, which, with the staff or walking-stick stuck in 

 the ground and held against the glass, affords a steady 

 rest in the strongest wind. 



Having made certain that he has left nothing 

 behind, so that no time may be lost in going back 

 for any forgotten article, as soon as the ride is ended, 

 the stalker should walk as slowly as if he meant never 

 to get to the ground for which he is bound, or wherever 

 his guide may intend to take him, and be careful to 

 impress upon the latter individual that no power on 



