214 AWAY OVER THE LAKE. 



We hastened to drag him out of the lagoon, and I was 

 then able to admire at my ease the most magnificent stag 

 I had ever beheld in my life. His antlers were branched 

 with a most unusual regularity, and were of a texture as 

 fine as a sea-dog's hide ; his skin was of a brown-red of 

 all shades. 



From the scene of the stag's death to Pat's cabin the 

 distance was about five hundred yards. I therefore went 

 in search of Mr. Eustace's servant, who came with all 

 speed to assist his master in carrying the game ; while I 

 kindled a fire, that everything might be ready for our 

 evening repast. 



David, having returned with my host, took a mule out 

 of the stable belonging to Pat's tavern, and immediately 

 started for the clearing to join the Irishman, with whom, 

 about two hours afterwards, he reappeared, bringing the 

 four deer we had shot in the Devil's Hole. 



Mr. Eustace and I had occupied the interval in getting 

 supper, which consisted of slices of venison, grilled, and 

 seasoned with salt and pimento. When we were all 

 assembled we did full justice to it. 



Refreshed by the repast, we were all eager for the 

 nocturnal expedition which Mr. Eustace had promised us; 

 and the latter, preceded by Pat and David, entering his 

 boat, made me seat myself at his side. 



The night was dark, and had not our eyes grown accus- 

 tomed to the obscurity of the landscape, we should have 

 found it a matter of difficulty what route to take. But 

 ten minutes after venturing on the waters of the lake we 

 had obtained our " cats' eyes," and our two rowers plied 

 their oars with unparalleled ardour. 



