" They
proceeded, and Edward pointed out to Oswald the slot of the stag into
the thicket. They then walked round, and found no marks of the animal
having left his lair.
"He is here," whispered Edward; and Oswald made a sign for Edward to
enter the thicket, while he walked to the other side. Edward entered
the thicket cautiously. In the center he perceived, through the trees,
a small cleared spot, covered with high fern, and felt certain that
the stag was lying there. He forced his way on his knees till he had a
better view of the place, and then cocked his gun. The noise induced
the stag to move his antlers, and discover his lair. Edward could just
perceive the eye of the animal through the heath; he waited till the
beast settled again, took steady aim, and fired. At the report of the
gun another stag sprung up and burst away. Oswald fired and wounded
it, but the animal made off, followed by the dogs. Edward, who hardly
knew whether he had missed or not, but fait almost certain that he had
not, hastened out of the thicket to join in the chase; and, as he
passed through the fern patch, perceived that his quarry lay dead. He
then followed the chase, and, being very fleet of foot, soon came up
with Oswald, and passed him without speaking.
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