Along the ledge I had
quitted I had remarked occasional traces where the stricken
deer had passed; and the same blood-spots now directed
me at a point where, but for these, I must have been
utterly at fault. The centre of these new ridges, and
the narrowest, was that taken by the animal, and on that
I once more renewed my pursuit. As I continued to advance
I found the ascent became more precipitous, and the
difficulties opposed to my progress momentarily more
multiplied. Still, nothing daunted, I continued my course
towards the main body of rock that now rose within a
hundred yards. How. this was to be gained I knew not;
for it shelved out abruptly from the extreme summit,
overhanging the abyss, and presenting an appearance which
I cannot more properly render than by comparing it to
the sounding-boards placed over the pulpits of our English
churches. Still I was resolved to persevere to the close,
and I but too unhappily succeeded." Again Wacousta paused.
A tear started to his eye, but this he impatiently brushed
away with his swarthy hand.
"It was evident to me," he again resumed, "that there
must be some opening through which the deer had effected
his escape to the precipitous height above; and I felt
a wild and fearful triumph in following him to his cover,
over passes which it was my pleasure to think none of
the hardy mountaineers themselves would have dared to
venture upon with impunity.
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