"
Jacob, ordering Smoker to remain, then set off. He had to make a
circuit of three miles to get to the spot where the thorns extended
from the forest, and Edward saw no more of him, although he strained
his eyes, until the stag sprung out, and the gun was discharged.
Edward perceived that the stag was not killed, but severely wounded,
running toward the covert near which he was hid. "Down, Smoker," said
he, as he cocked his gun. The stag came within shot, and was coming
nearer, when, seeing Edward, it turned. Edward fired, and then cheered
on the dog, who sprung after the wounded animal, giving tongue, as he
followed him. Edward, perceiving Jacob hastening toward him, waited
for him.
"He's hard hit, Edward," cried Jacob, "and Smoker will have him; but
we must follow as fast as we can."
They both caught up their guns and ran as fast as they could, when, as
they entered the wood, they heard the dog at bay.
"We shan't have far to go, Edward; the animal is done up: Smoker has
him at bay."
They hastened on another quarter of a mile, when they found that the
stag had fallen on his knees, and had been seized by the throat by
Smoker.
"Mind, Edward, now, how I go up to him, for the wound from the horn of
the deer is very dangerous.
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