Every now and then the report of muskets was heard, repeated by a thousand echoes.

The baying of the dogs was soon added to the chorus, which grew ever louder and more loud.

At length the advanced parties of the deer began to show themselves; and as the stragglers came bounding down the pass by two or three at a time, the Chiefs showed their skill by distinguishing the fattest deer, and their dexterity in bringing them down with their guns.
Fergus exhibited remarkable address, and Edward was also so fortunate as to attract the notice and applause of the sportsmen.
But now the main body of the deer appeared at the head of the glen, compelled into a very narrow compass, and presenting such a formidable phalanx, that their antlers appeared at a distance, over the ridge of the steep pass, like a leafless grove.

Their number was very great, and from a desperate stand which they made, with the tallest of the red-deer stags arranged in front, in a sort of battle array, gazing on the group which barred their passage down the glen, the more experienced sportsmen began to augur danger.

The work of destruction, however, now commenced on all sides.