THE BATTUE ON BONDA KEY. 181 



The hunt was arranged by Mike as follows : The dogs 

 were to be led to the extreme end of the island, not far 

 from where we were camped, and all the party was to 

 follow," either on foot or in boats. One boat was to keep 

 on each side of the island, close enough hi shore to shoot 

 any game that might take to the beach ; the rest of the 

 hunters, with all the negroes, were to follow the dogs, 

 and, keeping at equal distances apart, beat down the 

 island shouting and thrashing in the bushes, and thus 

 drive before them everything that would run. As the 

 chase progressed, it would come to the narrower portion 

 of the island, and thus the men would come closer to- 

 gether just at the time when the game would be most 

 anxious to turn back, so that they could form a complete 

 barrier, through which nothing could return. 



After all had reached the point appointed for the meet, 

 and taken their stations, Mike harangued them, telling 

 what should be done. Lou Jackson was in one boat, 

 with Rosa to paddle ; the Doctor in another, to guard 

 the two sides, and all the rest were to follow the hounds. 

 Scipio had been sent at starting to the other end of the 

 island, in a canoe, to He close to the nearest shore, to head 

 off anything that should attempt to cross to the main. 



" Now remember !" said Poke to Jackson, just as the 

 hounds were being loosened. 



"What?" 



"Thirty centuries look down upon you from those 

 gum-trees." 



" Shough ! Go ahead all !" shouted Jackson. 



