FOLLOWING 
THE DEER^% 
that the big buck was jumping away, 
straight into the natural trap ahead. 
I followed on the run till the ridge 
narrowed so that I could see across 1^^^^^*^'^^ 
it on either side; then slowly, care- 
fully, steadying my nerves for the 
shot. The river was all about him 
now, too wide to jump, too steep- 
banked to climb down ; the only way 
out was past me. I gripped the rifle 
hard, holding it at a ready as I moved 
forward, watching either side for a 
slinking form among the scattered cov- 
erts. At last, at last ! and how easily, 
how perfectly I had trapped him ! My 
heart was singing as I stole along. 
The tracks moved straight on ; first 
an easy run, then a swift, hard rush 
