32 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 



side, was not with them, or the calamity 

 never would have happened. 



This was a serious loss, for our pack 

 was not a very extensive one. Upon 

 hearing this melancholy intelligence, I 

 resolved upon putting an end to the day's 

 chase ; indeed, it was quite time for re- 

 turning homewards, for we had not above 

 an hour's fair day-light before us. One 

 of the piqueurs who had accompanied 



Captain G was desired to sound, not 



exactly a retreat, but some intelligible 

 discord, which would bring our friends 

 around us. 



This was accordingly executed. I knew 

 that Collins, the guide, and the pack must 

 wend their way towards us, so we had 

 not much difficulty in collecting the chas- 

 seurs. A lad was sent off to a farm- 

 house not very far from the entrance to 

 the forest for a cart to convey home the 

 game. 



