He continued up the run and, when he thought that he wasopposite the old orchard, he climbed the ridge. He stoppedwhen he reached the summit where he rested and lookedaround for the old orchard which he soon located not faraway. He tested the wind again and found it favorable. Hethen began a careful stalk toward the feeding ground. Everystep was made as noiselessly as possible; he took advantage ofevery bit of cover; he avoided all thickets and wind falls,selecting a course that offered the most quiet approach. He
was in no hurry but kept on the move until he reached theedge of the orchard. He selected a place where he could watchyet he was well screened. He removed his cap and crept to thebase of a tree where he eased his head around it and surveyedthe feeding grounds. The six deer were there; they were about50 yards away. He took the glasses from his pocket and lookedthe buck over; he was legal, a six pointer. He decided to wait;perhaps they would move up his way and give him a betterchance to shoot as the buck was partially behind an apple tree.A blue jay saw him and began to scold. The deer werealerted; the buck started to trot across the orchard, thus put-ting him in the clear with a broadside exposure. John drew,led the deer about two feet, and loosed. The arrow flew wellbut fell behind; he had not made proper allowance for thespeed the deer was traveling. Before he could nock anotherarrow and shoot, the deer had reached the thick cover.
