The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-18
SHOOTING HIS FIRST DEER.
His Sensations Before and After lie Fires tho



II remember my first deer" he said. J
was in northern California. and was crazy to
get a shot at one There were five Of us IN
camp beside the guide. and we were all en-
thusiastic save one. who had killed his share
If deer in his lifetime. | remember seeing
the guide one afternoon at work with hummer
and nails on saw-h0rse. ,Aiterward i siW
him examining a decr-skin which hung on the
wall The next day we were lying around
smoking when Jake, the guide. came running
into camD He was breathless. and cred out
between his gasps Get your rifles; there's
deer grazing over on the other side of the IA
vine up there. ..
There was wild excitement in the camp:
We all seized our guns ana ammunition anu
started after Jake on the run.
will the cynic, was missing and thought
with grim delight Of his disgust when we
should come back 10 camp'in triumph hearing
our trophy The guide led Us terribly hot
race and then as we approached the Use over
the ravine he turned and placed his hnserS on
SSH" he cried: we NAV come upon HIM
at any minute was in Il tremble, but was
determined 10 have the first shot,
Jake led us carefully along until we came
opposite q clearing on the other SIDE OF the
ravine. Suddenly he stopped and grabbed
my arm. There he was. | could sec him
grew weak We got down on our bands and
knees and c,awled carefully along Then
came the time to fire.
"'All take aim said Jake. and I'll count
three and FIRE" Our three rifles were
at our shoulders and Jake began to count. i
lost my senses and cOnld not find the trigger
of nv gun. / had deer ague. | heard nm
count out in low voice. One. two and my
muscles were paralvzed-thrcc and ire"
There were three shots. but | stood like fool
shaking with my weakness.
Quick" cried Jake. before he jumps
Now's your chance, They've missed him"
at tbe instant that the others fired found
the trigger. and at Jake's word pulled it. |
saw the deer quiyer for moment and then
sink 10 the earth.
~ cot him" cried in n burst Of JOY.
Ono got him cried the other three:
81 tell You Won missed him. cried, and
dropping my gun went leaplng down the
side Of the ravine. the others IN hot pursuit.
There was patch of brers at the bottom,
but | rushed wildly through them. tearing my
hands and face and yelling like a crazy man
that had shot the deer. We had "a lively
race Of it. jumped into the creek and half
spashed and half swan through II, Chamber
ing mp the bank and running for my deer. my
clothes dripping and my heart Humping Ike
a trip-hammcr. When reached my deer my
companions were close behind me and then
stopped short. Will the cynic. was lying on
his back in commissions Of laughter, the
string still in his hand with which lie had
pulled our noble game 10 earth when we hrcd.
Jake had made deer 10 order with the saw
horse and skin. and VIII and lac had set 1t mp
across the rayinc ] was 50 white with rage
and modification that could not speak,
while Will continued TO roar with laughter.
WHO shot it, he cried. and a. that |
turned back to camp. That experience 50
discussed me that have never since gone
deer shooting. New York Tribune.