TAKEN IN REAR. 43 



dread from the discovery their angry barking was 

 sure to entail. 



But no time was left for thought ; for, looking in 

 their direction, I perceived the head and shoulders of 

 a figure projecting above a log. Closer examination 

 disclosed a rifle-barrel. Here was a pretty kettle of 

 fish ! for I was taken in rear, and, therefore, was 

 without shelter. At the same time the enemy had 

 cover that would have warmed the heart of the most 

 fastidious rifleman. To attempt to make a bolt in 

 hopes of securing shelter, would very possibly induce 

 my opponent to open fire ; and certainly the curs 

 would lose no time in trying the quality and flavour 

 of my calves. I must have been discovered before 

 aware of it ; and if so, and the intention of the un- 

 known had been hostile, ere this I should have re- 

 ceived the contents of the long ominous-looking 

 barrel, the muzzle of which frowned more than a foot 

 over the owner's shoulder. 



If obliged to make a virtue of necessity, it is 

 always best never to appear hurried, or to take any 

 step but with the greatest precision and formality. 

 The adverse party is thus prepossessed in your fa- 

 vour possibly overawed by your self-possession, and 

 not un frequently, instead of remaining master of the 

 position, he becomes, from want of strength of mind, 

 willing to play second-fiddle instead of wielding the 

 bdton of leader. In order to impress my foe I gave 

 my moustache a pull a way we have in the army 

 straightened myself to my full height, assumed a 



