There was light enough, however, to take aim; and as the intervening branches were only tiny twigs, Caspar had no fear that they would interfere with the direction of his ballet.

There was no reason, therefore, why he should delay longer.

He might not get a better chance; and if he waited longer, or barked again, the kakur might discover the decoy, and run back into the bushes.
"Here goes, then!" muttered Caspar to himself; at the same time placing himself firmly on one knee, raising his gun and cocking it.
It was a splendid lock--that upon the right-hand barrel of Caspar's gun--one in which the cock, on being drawn to the full, gives tongue to tell that the spring is in perfect order.
In the profound stillness of the morning-air the "click" sounded clear enough to have been heard across the glade, and much further.

Caspar even feared that it might be loud enough to affright the deer; and kept his eye fixed upon the latter as he drew back the cock.

The animal stirred not; but instead--almost simultaneous with the click of his gun, and as if it had been its echo--another click fell upon the hunter's ear, apparently coming from the spot on which the kakur was standing! Fortunate was it for Caspar that his own spring had clicked so clear-- and fortunate also he had heard that apparent echo--else he might either have shot his brother, or his brother him, or each might have shot the other! As it was, the second click caused Caspar to start to his feet.