146 SPORT IN NOETH AMERICA. 



cones and a small stove), rode off, mounted on a 

 horse, caparisoned with a large sheep-skin under 

 the saddle. He had a rope with a large hook 

 attached to it which was intended to drag the game, 

 after it had heen captured. 



" Here we are," cried old Pompey, " it will soon 

 be dark, and in less than half an hour the stags will 

 he here." 



Whilst the overseer was looking to his rifle, 

 Pompey suspended the stove from a tree, and filling 

 it full of fir-cones, set fire to them. " Now gib me 

 de gun, Massa Slouch, and I'll show you how kill 

 de stag." 



" No, I shan't," replied the overseer, " I shall 

 shoot the deer myself. I can't trust you." 



" As you please, Massa ; only Pompey clebberer 

 dan you tink fur. However, let us keep quiet, or 

 we shall frighten de deer," 



Without further delay, the two poachers con- 

 cealed themselves in the shade, carefully keeping 

 out of the bright rays wliich the fire in the stove 

 threw around. Presently, at about fifty paces off 

 they could see a fine stag quietly browsing among 

 Mr. Rensom's beans. Slouch had, however, no time 

 to take aim, before the animal made a tremendous 

 boimd, and disappeared. 



" Tarnation ! " roared the overseer, " There's a 

 fine chance lost. However, we'll see if that fellow 

 hadn't a companion." 



