32 



LIFE AT ROSEHALL. 



I determined one day to start off alone in pursuit of this stag, 

 and to pay no attention to any other deer I might see during my 

 excursion. Donald's orders were to meet me at a well known rock, 

 about eight miles from home, the next day at two o'clock ; my 

 intention being, in the event of my not returning the same night, 

 to work my way to a distant shepherd's house, and there to sleep. 

 Donald had directions as to the line by which he was to come, 

 that he might not disturb one or two favourite corries; and he 

 was also to bring a setter and my shooting apparatus, as I took 



with me only a single-barrel rifle and a few bullets. I did not 

 take " Bran," as, being alone, I could not be quite sure that he 

 would not be in my way when getting up to the deer, if I should 

 find him ; but 1 took a dog of a very different kind a powerful 

 bull-dog, who was well accustomed to deer-stalking, and who would 

 lie down for an hour together if commanded, without moving 

 an inch. 



On leaving the house at daybreak, or at least before the sun 

 had risen, I struck off in a straight line through the woods, till, 



