gratification of many present, especially Mary Grant, who, regardless of Mr. Brown whispering compliments to her charms, waved her white pocket-handkerchief at each successful feat of her lover.
A most interesting match was now commenced, in which the gentry only took part. The prize was a splendid rifle to be presented to the best shot at 200 yards. The competitors fired in succession according to their lots, but none penetrated the mark, which was a small bull's eye in the centre of a target composed of a deal board. The Honorable Captain Somerville hit the edge. "When his lordship's turn came he penetrated the very centte, thus leaving no chance to Charlie Stuart, who was the last on the list. A look of disappointment was visible in every Highland face on seeing themselves beat by an Englishman, and their only hope in Charlie Stuart (who was admitted to be the best shot among them) was now annihilated.
However, the latter, who shared in their disappointment, fell on an expedient to save the honour of his country, and which astonished the spectators as to its novelty. This was by placing a wafer in the hole which his Lordship's bullet had pierced through the target; then taking his stand at the distance, instead of taking a rest like his predecessors, fired off his arm, the ball carrying away the wafer, without touching the wood.
The applause which followed this feat was most deafening. Hats, bonnets, and caps were hurled into the air, and the surrounding plantation echoed back the exclamations. However, the prize was not yet won; the umpires decided this a tie, and both competitors had to fire again, using the wafer, and firing off their arms.
Charlie's turn now came first, when he repeated his former shot, without touching the wood, Lord Lundy's ball carrying a portion off, he consequently lost.
The next sport was a stag hunt. A large red deer was let loose in the park, and all the best hounds were unleashed after him.
This was an animated and most interesting scene: to see the noble forester hotly pursued by his speedy and wiry pursuers. The first that showed in front were a
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