couple of English thoroughbred greyhounds, the property of Lord Lundy; at a short distance behind them followed a large grey Highland staghound, the property of Charlie Stuart, followed by a number of inferior dogs. This order was kept the first round of the park, without gaining on the stag, who was unable to find an opening in the high wall.
Bran—which was the name of Charlie's hound—was unable to reach his more light and speedy competitors on level ground, especially in a short distance; however, on the second round his powers of endurance began to tell, and he soon closed on the leading couple.
The excitement now became intense; the three dogs were abreast, and taking the same bounds, when "Bran gu brath!"—Bran for ever!—could be heard in every tree and high position around the castle, where every individual had taken a station. It soon became manifest that Bran was the superior animal, as he gained on the stag in every stride, which, on seeing himself hard pressed, faced the high wall, and cleared it at a bound. Bran, on coming up, followed his example, to the surprise and admiration of the majority of the spectators, and in a short time overtook his game, which he despatched in a moment. The other dogs were unable to clear the park wall, and were consequently led away.
Donald Munro led Bran to the castle to receive his reward, which consisted of a splendid garland, of great value, which was to be suspended round his neck by one of the fair occupants of the balcony.
Mr. McKay, on exhibiting the glittering trophy, invited one of the ladies to volunteer to execute the pleasant commission, when the Hon. Miss Somerville, the Captain's sister, descended the grand staircase, and took the garland; on approaching the noble hound he manifested his displeasure at the freedom of the fair stranger by giving a low growl, which made the fair lady retreat at once, and give up the attempt; on perceiving this, Bella McKay tripped down the stairs, smiling and blushing, took the garland from the honourable lady, and placed it on the hound's neck, which soon changed his former sulkiness into pleasure at the caressing, delicate hand, which stroked his rough coat.
