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CHAPTER XXI. 



HOMEWAEDS. 



NOT far from where the chamois fell there gurgled 

 a rivulet ; and when our buck was put into the ruck- 

 sack, we sat down beside the pleasant water, and 

 mixing a cupful with a little rum drank success to 

 the merry sport. Not that I was thirsty now, for 

 the excitement of the last two or three hours had pre- 

 vented my thinking about it; yet, thirsty or not, it 

 was right cheerful to sit on a mossy stone, rifle in lap, 

 with a good chamois to feast our eyes on, and to 

 taste the delicious water that was playing round the 

 stones. But there was no time for luxuriating thus. 



"We must be going," said Neuner, "for it is a 

 good way home ; and if we wait much longer night 

 will overtake us before we reach the village." 



" Let me carry it," I said, as Neuner was about 

 to sling his rucksack, with the chamois in it, on his 

 shoulders ; " I would rather, I assure you, half-way 

 at least." 



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