The Coto Dofiana 49 
In thick forest or brushwood that limits the view it may be 
advisable to sit with back towards the beat, relying on ears to 
indicate the approach or movements of game. While sitting 
thus, it will occur that you become aware of the arrival of an 
animal, or of several animals, immediately behind you. The 
natural inclination to look round is strong; but ’twere folly 
SUSPICION 
to do so—fatal to success. ‘This is the critical moment, when a 
few seconds of rigid stillness will be rewarded by a shot in the 
open. But that stillness must be statuesque, as of a stone god. 
For piercing eyes are instantly studying each bush and bough, and 
analysing at close quarters the least symptom of danger ahead. 
Should a good stag break fairly near, it 1s advisable to allow 
it to pass well away before moving a muscle. For should the 
game be prematurely alarmed—say by your missing exactly upon 
the firing-line, or otherwise by its detecting your movement of 
preparation—that stag will instantly bounce back again into the 
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