For about twenty minutes the buck kept his impregnable position, when in a foolish moment he forsook it, and dashing along the torrent, he took to deep water.

The whole pack was after him; once Merriman got a hold, but was immediately beaten off.

Valiant, who was behaving nobly, and made repeated attempts to seize, was struck beneath the water as often as he advanced.

The old veteran Smut was well to the point, and his deep voice was heard loud above the din of the bay; but he could do nothing.

The buck had a firm footing, and was standing shoulder-deep; rearing to his full height, and springing at the dogs as they swam towards him, he struck them beneath the water with his fore feet.