A BEAR HUNT. 43 



inevitable consequence. He could not, however, altogether 

 divest himself of fears for his young master, who obstinately 

 persevered in his intention of occupying the bridge with hia 

 antagonist. 



After placing the baron's companions at posts which he 

 considered the most advantageous, the pareur rejoined his 

 men, and disposing them so as to encompass the valley facing 

 the cascade, commanded the utmost silence to be preserved 

 until they should hear the barking of his dog. At that signal 

 the mastiffs were to be unleashed, the instruments sounded, 

 and all to move slowly forward, contracting the circle as they 

 approached the cascade. These arrangements being made, 

 the pareur and his dog, followed by the mandrin alone, dis- 

 appeared in the depths of the wood. 



For some minutes the silence had remained unbroken, when 

 suddenly a furious barking commenced, accompanied by low 

 growling. Each prepared his arms ; the instruments sounded ; 

 and the mastiffs being let loose, precipitated themselves pell- 

 mell in the direction of the struggle. Their furious barking 

 was soon confounded with the cries of the hunters and the 

 din of the instruments, mingled with the formidable growling 

 of the bears, making altogether a hideous concert, which, 

 rolling along the sides of the valley, was repeated by the 

 distant echoes. At this moment the young baron regarded 

 his companion, whose countenance, though pale, remained 

 calm and scornful. 



"Attention,, sir," said he, in a low voice. "The bears 

 are not far from us ; let your aim be true, or else" 



" Keep your counsels for yourself, sir !" 



"Attention!" repeated Villetreton, without seeming to 

 notice the surly response "he approaches !" 



Those who were placed in front of the cascade, seeing the 

 animals directing their course to the bridge, cried from all 

 parts, "Look out, look out, Villetreton !" But the breaking 

 of branches, followed by the rolling of loosened stones down 



