296 A DOG HUNT ON THE BERWYNS 



ing farmers. In a very short space of time about 

 fifty were on the spot, armed with guns of every 

 conceivable make and age. Stealthily creeping up 

 the hill, we were sent in different directions, so as 

 to surround the sheep-walk where she lay. 



In half an hour's time a gradually lessening 

 circle was formed, all proceeding as silently as pos- 

 sible, and taking advantage of every tuft of fern or 

 stunted thorn, so as to get as near as possible before 

 arousing the sleeping dog. 



There was a distance of about eighty yards be- 

 tween each man, when the brute rose up, and 

 stretched herself, showing her white and glistening 

 fangs. 



Uttering a low growl as she became aware of her 

 position, she set off* in a long swinging gallop to- 

 wards the heather. Just in that direction there 

 appeared to be a man missing from the cordon, and 

 a wide gap was left through which it seemed pro- 

 bable she would escape, and a storm of shouts 

 arose. Just, however, as escape seemed certain, a 

 sheet of flame poured out from behind a clump of 

 thorn bushes and fern, and a loud report went 

 reverberating over the glens. The dog's neck turned 

 red, and she rolled over and over, uttering yelp 

 after yelp in her agony. There was a miscellaneous 

 charge from all sides. Crash came the butt-end of 



