EPISODES 263 



which he was highly pleased, but assured me that unless 

 some of his neighbors should join us with their dogs and 

 his own, the attempt would prove fruitless. Soon after, 

 mounting a horse, he went off to his neighbors several of 

 whom lived at a distance of some miles, and appointed a 

 day of meeting. 



The hunters, accordingly, made their appearance, one 

 fine morning, at the door of the cabin, just as the sun was 

 emerging from beneath the horizon. They were five in 

 number, and fully equipped for the chase, being mounted 

 on horses which in some parts of Europe might appear 

 sorry nags, but which in strength, speed, and bottom, are 

 better fitted for pursuing a Cougar or a Bear through 

 woods and morasses than any in that country. A pack of 

 large, ugly curs were already engaged in making acquaint- 

 ance with those of the squatter. He and myself mounted 

 his two best horses, whilst his sons were bestriding others 

 of inferior quality. 



Few words were uttered by the party until we had 

 reached the edge of the swamp, where it was agreed that 

 all should disperse and seek for the fresh track of the 

 Painter, it being previously settled that the discoverer 

 should blow his horn, and remain on the spot, until the 

 rest should join him. In less than an hour, the sound of 

 the horn was clearly heard, and, sticking close to the 

 squatter, off we went through the thick woods, guided 

 only by the now and then repeated call of the distant 

 huntsmen. We soon reached the spot, and in a short 

 time the rest of the party came up. The best dog was 

 sent forward to track the Cougar, and in a few moments 

 the whole pack were observed diligently trailing, and 

 bearing in their course for the interior of the Swamp. 

 The rifles were immediately put in trim, and the party 

 followed the dogs, at separate distances, but in sight of 

 each other, determined to shoot at no other game than 

 the Panther. 



