86 WILD SPORTS m THE SOUTH. 



CHAPTER VII 



THE DEER HUNT. 



"A hundred hounds bayed deep and strong 

 Clattered an hundred steeds along." 



Scott. 



The light broke early on the planter's house, and the 

 smoldering brands of our camp-fire the morning after 

 Mike's panther story. It may not have been early, 

 though our late hours of the evening before made it seem 

 so to me, and I silently banned the sleepless hound that 

 bayed at the early day. Then " the cock's shrill clarion, 

 and the echoing horn," ushered in the fuller light, and 

 drew us to our feet, yawning and drinking in the misty 

 sights and sounds. 



The sheep were crowding out of the pens, and spread- 

 ing over the open woods. Their constant bleating 

 drowned the cries of their negro drivers. The horses 

 were whinnying for their food. Our boys were light- 

 ing a fire, and preparing meat, singing and laughing 

 away. There were calls to negroes with fancy names, 

 and shouting answers ; guns were discharged, and saddles 

 examined ; a dozen things were wanted that could not 

 be found, or when found were not in a condition to be 



