Yard by yard he gained in this final burst, and shifted his rifle to his left hand in order to have his right free to use the hunting-knife.

Another effort and he was almost within touch; but the buck also had a reserve of power, and, gathering its quarters, it made a couple of bounds, which carried it into the shelter of a thin sprinkling of reeds.

Compton responded, and in a few strides was so near that he flung himself forward in an effort to get astride the animal's back.

The buck slipped forward, letting him down, and, when he rose he saw the white tail whisking round a corner in the reeds.

On he dashed down a narrow path, which twisted and turned so sharply that he could only see a few yards ahead; but he was never in fault, as when he could not see the game he could hear it plainly, so he never slackened.