A Day in Larig Dochart 85 
and glass, prepared to do a record flank march at a moment’s notice ; but we soon perceived 
that our running powers would not be called upon, for after a general move about in all 
directions one or two of the animals nearest to us turned their steps towards the main pass, 
and presently the foremost of them began to mount the hill. He was a small beast, but 
very fat, judging by the puffs and grunts he emitted while “ peching ” heavily in his 
laboured ascent, and we could hardly help laughing at the caricature he presented of an 
old gentleman hampered with a “ bow window ” under similar circumstances. Suddenly, 
however, to our dismay, he turned into a pathway unknown to Grant, and when within 
thirty yards of our hiding-place he paused for a stare at us that seemed well-nigh inter¬ 
minable as we lay glued to the rock and trying to look part of itself, while inwardly dreading 
a right-about-face that would carry the whole herd down the hill again. Happily, however, 
the wind was in our favour, and after satisfying himself that we were not worth another 
thought, he moved slowly away along his original line, every now and then looking back 
to assure himself that his conclusion was right. He was no sooner out of sight than Grant 
nudged my elbow excitedly and whipped the rifle out of its cover, whispering as he did so 
that there was a grand stag coming straight for us, and I must be prepared to shoot at once. 
No sooner said than done. Instantly a vision of antlers and a broad back appeared not 50 
yards below us. My heart gave a bound when I saw what a fine beast he was, as he 
ascended the steep with the agility of a cat, in striking contrast to his plethoric predecessor 
on that route. With his head thrown well up (as, by the way, every big stag moves), so 
