"HE'S A DEAD 'UN." 51 



His joy in the chase was conspicuously real. He had as much taste 

 for the pursuit as a well bred hunting dog, and probably with as much 

 reason, as his fathers before him for generations had been huntsmen 

 and stalkers. 



My stag had a very fair, though not unusual head. Nine points, 

 and he weighed dressed, fourteen stone nine, or 205 pounds. He was 

 in excellent condition ; as fat as butter. When we had him where the 

 pony could be easily brought to him, the pipes came forth and we sat 

 down for a bit to talk it over. 



Donald had by this time decided that he could talk to me without 

 fear of being misunderstood. He did not now, and in fact he rarely 

 ever did begin a conversation, but when I gave him an opening he was 

 from this hour willing to converse with considerable freedom. 



