The Last of the Plainsmen 



in a few moments a greater number than I had ever 

 seen in all my hunting experiences loped within range 

 of my eye. I could not look out into the forest, 

 where an aisle or lane or glade stretched to any dis 

 tance, without seeing a big gray deer cross it. Jones 

 said the herds had recently come up from the breaks, 

 where they had wintered. These deer were twice the 

 size of the Eastern species, and as fat as well-fed 

 cattle. They were almost as tame, too. A big herd 

 ran out of one glade, leaving behind several curious 

 does, which watched us intently for a moment, then 

 bounded off with the stiff, springy bounce that so 

 amused me. 



Sounder crossed fresh trails one after another; 

 Jude, Tige and Ranger followed him, but hesitated 

 often, barked and whined; Don started off once, to 

 come sneaking back at Jones s stern call. But surly 

 old Moze either would not or could not obey, and 

 away he dashed. Bang! Jones sent a charge of 

 fine shot after him. He yelped, doubled up as if 

 stung, and returned as quickly as he had gone. 



&quot; Hyar, you white and black coon dog,&quot; said 

 Jones, &quot; get in behind, and stay there.&quot; 



We turned to the right after a while and got 

 among shallow ravines. Gigantic pines grew on the 

 ridges and in the hollows, and everywhere bluebells 

 shone blue from the white frost. Why the frost did 



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