Then all was still.

Suddenly I heard a crashing of bushes and a hundred yards above us a superb black-tail sprang into the water and swam for the east bank.

My sensation was divided between a desire to see the deer escape, and a desire to supplant the bacon with venison for a time.

My cartridges were under the hatches as it chanced, so I was unable to take action myself.

With deep interest I watched the animal swim and with regret that our fresh meat was so fortunate, for it was two-thirds of the way across, before a rifle cracked.