In point of morals they were not,
perhaps, desirable companions; but they were all brave enough,
thoroughly knew the country further inland, and, if not
enthusiastic in the adventure, were yet willing enough to follow
their respective masters, and ready to fight for their lives upon
occasion.
Just as they halted Mr. Herries thought that he caught sight of
some deer a short way ahead. He therefore started at once for a
stalk, several of the others going off in other directions. Mr.
Herries proceeded very cautiously, and the wind being fortunately
toward him, he was enabled to creep up tolerably close. The
animals, which are extremely shy, had, however, an idea that danger
was about before he could get within a fair shot. As he knew that
they would be off in another instant, he at once practiced a trick
which he had often found to be successful.
He threw himself on his back, pulled a red handkerchief from his
neck, tied it to one of his boots so as to let it float freely in
the air, and then threw up both legs in the form of a letter V.
Then he began moving them slowly about, waving them to and fro. The
deer, which were upon the point of flight, paused to gaze at this
strange object; then they began to move in a circle, their looks
still directed at this unknown thing, to which they gradually kept
approaching as they moved round it.
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