THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 9 



might be driven down to us. I had se- 

 lected for my own stand the same spot I 

 had before occupied ; it offered many ad- 

 vantages — amongst others, that of the 

 centre of the hne, if I may so express 

 myself, for my companions in arms were 

 pretty equally divided on my right and 

 left ; and, as I thought it possible some of 

 those to the right might miss a shot or 

 two, the chances were in my favour as 

 to a stray boar or chevreuil passing my 

 way from the westward, where the dogs 

 were to be laid on. 



Nearly two hours elapsed before the 

 fun commenced ; but when it did begin, 

 we were no longer idle. Before the pack 

 had given us their welcome music, I had 

 reconnoitred my position, and visited my 

 countrymen, who were stationed about 

 three hundred yards from me each way. 

 I knew our rifles to be good, and was 

 also convinced that there were cool heads 

 b3 



