G4 DAYS OF DEER-STALKING. 



hitherto been able to walk like a man, with your face erect 

 towards heaven. But now we are below the hill we must 

 imitate quadrupeds, or even eels, for an hour or so. You 

 have promised most faithfully to comply with my instruc- 

 tions; so, pray, walk and creep behind me, and carry your- 

 self precisely as I do. Be like unto the dotterel, who, 

 according to the worthy and veracious Camdeo, stretches out 

 a wing when the fowler extends his arm, and advances his 

 leg when the said fowler puts forth his corresponding limb. 

 Above all, be as silent as the grave ; and when you step 

 upon stones, tread as lightly as a ghost. If your back 

 aches insupportably, you may lie down and die; but do not 

 raise yourself an inch to save your life, precious as it is. I 

 assure you I am in earnest when I press all this on your 

 attention, for it is absolutely necessary. Now let us put 

 our caps in our pockets. Heaven bless me! do not raise up 

 your hair with your fingers in that manner. I assure you, 

 my good fellow, that just at present it would be much more 

 becoming to be bald, or to wear your hair like King Otho. 



" Maclaren, you will remain here, and watch the deer 

 when I have fired. Sandy, follow you at a proper distance 

 with the dogs ; and come you along with us, Peter, and 

 take the rifles. And now, my lads, be canny." 



The party then advanced, sometimes on their hands and 

 knees, through the deep seams of the bog, and again right 

 up the middle of the burn, winding their cautious course 

 according to the inequalities of the ground. Occasionally 

 the seams led in an adverse direction, and then they were 

 obliged to retrace their steps. This stealthy progress con- 

 tinued some time, till at length they came to some green 

 sward, where the ground was not so favourable. Here was 

 a great difficulty : it seemed barely possible to pass this 

 small piece of ground without discovery. Fraser, aware of 

 this, crept back, and explored the bog in a parallel direc- 

 tion, working his way like a mole, whilst the others re- 

 mained prostrate. Returning all wet and bemired, his long 

 serious face indicated a failure. This dangerous passage 

 then was to be attempted, since there was no better means 

 of approach. Tortoise, in low whispers, again entreated the 

 strictest caution. 



