" RISE, CYNTHIA, QUEEX OF NIGHT." 215 



Half-an-hour sufficed to bring us to the bottom of a 

 deep creek, buried in a forest of cedars and firs, where, 

 according to Pat, we should find our game. 



" This will do," cried Mr. Eustace ; " now let us arm 

 ourselves for the campaign. Attention to the lanterns ! 

 A match, quick ! Light the wicks, and all will be 

 ready." 



I did not clearly understand the meaning of all this, 

 but I had sworn to myself that I would not ask a ques- 

 tion. So I patiently waited, and watched Mr. Eustace, 

 who lighted the two lanterns, and, to my great astonish- 

 ment, placed one of them on his head, and fastened the 

 straps under his chin. 



I could not repress my laughter ; but when my host 

 explained that all the great beasts without exception ran 

 from the recesses of the forest to see what was meant by 

 a light in the mid hours of night, I instantly understood 

 that the reflector of the lantern was intended to throw 

 its rays as far as possible, while leaving the hunter's 

 person in darkness, and enabling him, as a necessary 

 consequence, to take aim coolly and without hurry. 



" And now, my dear friend," said Mr. Eustace, " the 

 other lantern is for you. As soon as you have fixed it 

 we will land and push into the wood." 



I obeyed mechanically, while Pat and David pushed 

 the boat ashore. At this very moment, by an unfortunate 

 contre- temps, the clouds which had obscured the moon 

 were partially dissipated, and the forest was illuminated 

 as if it were full day. This unexpected radiancy dis- 

 arranged all our plans ; but Mr. Eustace persuaded me to 

 push forward and look well before me, pretending that the 

 moonlight would not prevent us from discovering the game. 



