10 , THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 



and stout hearts to back them ; so I felt 

 secure as to my neighbours. 



Captain G , from Rennes, had also 



a good rifle ; but he had followed the dogs, 

 being more anxious to see them work 

 than to wait for a chance shot. The 

 guide had sent an intelligent piqueur to 

 every stand to ascertain that each post 

 was guarded ; when assured of this, he 

 set to work in good earnest. 



I shall not easily forget the sensation 

 I experienced when I heard our gallant 

 little pack in full cry — the pace, I was 

 told, was terrific ; and the result in some 

 degree bore out the assertion, for they 

 neared us very perceptibly indeed. 



What was that ? — A shot ! — another, 

 and another ! A dark object was pre- 

 sently discernible coming down the grande 

 allee ; but he galloped not straight — he 

 reeled ; — in a few seconds he was within 

 a few paces of me ; a deep and purple 



