With all her mind
and will concentrated she drew a deep breath as the rifle was raised to
her shoulder. With a stern deliberation she leveled her sights and
fired. The spent deer stood, and shook, and then gazed round. There
was something dreadful in the appeal of its wistful attitude. For one
second the woman closed her eyes. Then they opened, and their beauty
was full of resolve. Again the rifle was at her shoulder. Again the
sights were leveled. Again the weapon spat out its vicious pellet.
This time the weapon was lowered for good, and the movement was
inspired by the sight of the deer. It quietly dropped upon its knees
and rolled over on its side.
Ten minutes later the body of the deer was securely lashed to the back
of the saddle. There was no regret in the heart of the woman as her
practised fingers secured the warm body. It was game. Fair game,
brought down in open chase, and it would provide welcome change in the
monotonous diet of her home. Besides, the spirit of the hunter gripped
her soul.
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