At length the advanced parties of the deer began to show
themselves; and as the stragglers came bounding down the pass by two
or three at a time, the Chiefs showed their skill by distinguishing the
fattest deer, and their dexterity in bringing them down with their guns.
Fergus exhibited remarkable address, and Edward was also so fortunate as
to attract the notice and applause of the sportsmen.
But now the main body of the deer appeared at the head of the glen,
compelled into a very narrow compass, and presenting such a formidable
phalanx, that their antlers appeared at a distance, over the ridge of
the steep pass, like a leafless grove. Their number was very great, and
from a desperate stand which they made, with the tallest of the red-deer
stags arranged in front, in a sort of battle array, gazing on the group
which barred their passage down the glen, the more experienced sportsmen
began to augur danger. The work of destruction, however, now commenced
on all sides. Dogs and hunters were at work, and muskets and fusees
resounded from every quarter. The deer, driven to desperation, made at
length a fearful charge right upon the spot where the more distinguished
sportsmen had taken their stand.
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