THE ALARMED BUCK. Jil 
As I was about to put my resolution in practice, I 
thought I heard a voice, and, on looking in the direction 
from whence. it proceeded, I was surprised to see a couple 
of hunters, with a cur dog, passing my retreat, about a hun- 
dred yards off. He who has shot much in the timber well 
knows that, if he remains quiet, the possibility is great that 
those moving about may make the game start toward his 
retreat. And well it was I did so; for ere five minutes 
had passed, a grand old turkey, head down, and going like 
a race-horse, ran past; but turkey was not deer, so I let him 
go, preferring to be without turkey to braving the wrath 
of Will for firing at illegitimate game. How often pa- 
tience and forbearance receive their reward ! and so it was 
in this instance ; for scarcely had the gobbler gone when a 
fine large buck hove in sight. From his manner, he was 
evidently alarmed; for every now and then he stopped, 
snorted, and continued his route. Unfortunately, he was 
heading so as to pass farther off than would afford a good 
shot, and the ground was too clear to permit me, with any 
prospect of success, to better my position. I had almost 
made up my mind not to shoot. However, I changed my 
resolution ; for so soon as he came abreast of me, he halted, 
and looked around. The temptation I could no longer with- 
stand; so, pitching my gun with due elevation, I let drive 
the first barrel, with no apparent result, for the deer only 
threw up his head and trotted off. The second charge I 
quickly determined to put in; and holding well in front 
and high, had the satisfaction of seeing his lordship make 
a tremendous bound and drop his tail—a certain indication 
that some of the shot had taken effect; but the distance 
was so great that successful results could scarcely be ex- 
pected. 
Nothing is so difficult as to obtain a gun that throws 
buck-shot well. I am inclined to believe that gun-makers 
