e
centre of the ridge. Charley and I had gone on for an hour or more, but
had met with no game, when what was our delight to see a herd of a dozen
large deer feeding in a glade below us; and, although too far off to
risk a shot, we hoped that by making a wide circuit we should be able to
creep up to them on the lee side.

Taking the proposed direction, we observed a large clump of rose-bushes,
which grew in great profusion in that region. Near them also were two
or three trees, behind which we expected to be able to conceal ourselves
while we took aim at the deer. Keeping as much under cover as possible,
we reached the rose-bushes, when we began to creep along on hands and
knees, trailing our guns after us. To our delight we found that the
deer were still feeding quietly, unsuspicious of danger. I managed to
reach one of the trees, Charley another. The two nearest animals were a
stag and a doe. I agreed to shoot the former, Charley the latter.

He waited until I gave the signal, when our guns went off at the same
instant. As the smoke cleared away, we saw that both our shot had taken
effect. It had been settled that, in case the animals should attempt to
get up, we were to rush out and despatch them with our hunting-knives.
I ran towards the stag, which made an effort to escape, but rolled over
and died just as I reached it. Turning round to ascertain how it fared
with Charley, I saw the doe rise to her feet, though bleeding from a
wound in the neck. I instantly reloaded to be ready to fire, knowing
that under such circumstances even a doe might prove a dangerous
antagonist. It was fortunate that I did so, for the animal, throwing
herself upon her haunches, began to strike out fiercely with her
fore-feet, a blow from which would have fractured my friend's skull.
Seeing his hat fall to the ground, I was afraid that he had been struck.
Holding his rifle, which he had unfortunately forgotten to reload,
before him in the fashion of a single-stick, he attempted to defend
himself; but one of the animal's hoofs, striking his shoulder, brought
him to the ground, so that he was unable to spring back out of harm's
way. For a moment the deer retreated, but then again came on with her
fore-feet in the air, intent on mischief. Now was the moment to fire,
as the next Charley might be struck lifeless to the ground. I pulled
the trigger, aiming at the head of the doe; for, had I attempted to
shoot her in the breast, I m