more
near to each other, and compelled the astonished deer, with the other wild
animals that fled before them, into a narrower circuit. 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. Dogs and hunters were at work,
and muskets and fusees resounded from every quarter. The deer, driven to
desperation, made at length a fearful charge right upon the spot where the more
distinguished sportsmen had taken their stand. The word was given in Gaelic to
fling themselves upon their faces; but Waverley, on whose English ears the
signal was lost, had almost fallen a sacrifice to his ignorance of the ancient
language in which it was communicated. Fergus, observing his danger, sprung up
and pulled him with violence to the ground, just as the whole herd broke down
upon them. The tide being absolutely irresistible, and wounds from a stag's horn
highly dangerous,53 the activity of the Chieftain may be considered, on this
occasion, as having saved his guest's life. He detained him with a firm grasp
until the whole herd of deer had fairly run over them. Waverley then attempted
to rise, but found that he had suffered several very severe contusions; and,
upon a further examination, discovered that he had sprained his ankle violently.
    This checked the mirth of the meeting, although the Highlanders, accustomed
to such incidents, and prepared for them, had suffered no harm themselves. A
wigwam was erected almost in an instant,