ough. Frank was to remain where we
first saw them, while Harry would go half-way along with me, and then
take his stand behind a tree. We should thus enclose the deer in a sort
of triangle, and some one of us would be sure of getting them within
range before they could escape.

"I had scarcely got to the edge of the opening when I saw that the herd
was browsing in towards Frank. They were every moment getting closer
and closer to him, and I watched eagerly for the shot. I knew he would
not fire until they were very near, as I had cautioned him not to do so,
on account of the smallness of his rifle. Presently I saw the stream of
smoke and fire issuing from the leaves; then followed the sharp crack,
and then the yelping of our dogs as they broke forward. At the same
time one of the deer was seen to spring upward and fall dead in its
tracks. The others wheeled and ran, first one way and then another, in
their confusion; until, after doubling several times, they made towards
the opening where I stood. In their flight, however, they had gone too
close to Harry, and as they were running past his stand, the tiny crack
of a rifle was heard among the bushes; and another of the black-tails
rolled over on the plain.

"It was now my turn; and I prepared myself to make the best shot I could
or be beaten by my own boys. So as they came up I let drive at them, to
my mortification missing them every one--as I thought at the moment. It
soon appeared, however, that I was mistaken in this. Castor and Pollux
swept past upon the heels of the herd; and before they had disappeared
out of the long avenue, I saw the dogs spring upon the haunches of one
that lagged behind, and drag him to the ground. I ran to their
assistance, and seizing the wounded animal by one of its antlers, soon
put an end to it with my knife. I had wounded it in the flank; and that
had enabled the mastiffs to overtake it, which they could not have done
otherwise, as its companions were at the time several hundred yards
ahead of it. We all now came together, exulting in the fine fortune we
had met with, for we had made a regular _battue_ of it. We were glad
that none of us had missed, and that we had succeeded in obtaining so
much good meat, for we were not slaughtering these beautiful creatures
out of wanton sport, but from the necessity of procuring food. Each
congratulated the others upon their good shooting, and said nothing of
his own--although it was