A RACE FOR LIFE. 45 



moved by the same will, the pack of hungry assailants dash forward in pursuit, 

 uttering at each leap their angry bark, and straining every nerve to overtake the 

 flying deer ; which, with antlers laid upon his neck, and head outstretched, fast 

 leaves them in the rear, as with desperate bounds he speeds over and through 

 the snow, dashing it in fairy, glittering flakes on every side. And so on they 

 go, pursuer and pursued, over many a weary mile of that interminable expanse ; 

 startling the herds of timid antelopes, which spring away fleet as the wind, 

 or causing the bolder buffaloes to crowd closer together, the patriarchal bulls in 

 front, presenting their solid, bony foreheads towards the eager wolves, while the 

 cows and calves are crowded together behind their sagacious protectors. No 

 weariness is shown by those relentless trackers, as with blood-shot eyes and hang- 

 ing tongues, they follow their destined prey with determined, unflagging purpose, 

 and mile after mile is thus passed without any slackening of their speed. Alas ! 

 it is not so now with the labouring deer ; for the snow impedes him, and his sharp 

 hoofs break through the frozen crust, which cuts and wounds his slender limbs as 

 he struggles on. His tongue is hanging down from fear and fatigue, the laboured 

 breath comes in oft-repeated sobs, and his large, bright eye, which is ever and 

 again turned back to watch his blood-thirsty pursuers, drops many a scalding 

 tear upon his cheek. But still he bravely struggles on, for it is a race for life 

 with him, and well he knows that to falter now would soon place him in the 

 power of his foes, who would tear him to pieces in a moment. At first he seemed 

 to consider his speed sufficient to enable him to free himself from his enemies, but 

 now failing strength and slackened flight, with the nearer approach of his deter- 

 mined adversaries, warn him that some secure place must quickly be found if he 

 would witness another rising sun. Even now the wished for refuge presents itself ; 

 for as he reaches the ridge of a line of low-lying hills, the river bursts upon his 

 view, and as if his strength was renewed by the sight, he increases his speed towards 

 its friendly banks. But his eager pursuers have seen it also, and designing his 

 intentions, redouble their efforts to overtake him before he can plunge into the 

 stream. And now the bank is gained, when, alas, instead of the wished-for water, 

 a wide expanse of glistening ice stretches away far towards the centre of the river, 

 leaving comparatively but a narrow channel through which the crowded waters 

 are seen to flow. For a moment the gallant animal hesitates, but his enemies 

 thirsting for his blood are near him now, another moment and it will be too late ; 



