A "CHASSE AU FEU." 201 



Night was come ; the atmosphere was transparent, and 

 the stars shone in the heavens. Not a breath of wind 

 stirred the leaves of the forest, and echo scarcely repeated 

 the footfall of the horse and of the negro who guided his 

 steps. 



" Here we are," said Fompey, at length j " the moon 

 wiH soon go down behind the mountain ; the wind 

 freshens ; and in half an hour, if nothing disturbs them, 

 the deer will come down to their pasturage." 



While the overseer examined his carbine, and carefully 

 loaded it, Pompey made ready the frying-pan, hung it to 

 a tree, and after filling it with pine-apples, set fire to this 

 new kind of hunting engine. 



"Now," said he, "Massa Slouch, hand me the rifle, 

 and I will show you how we set to work at a chasse aufeu." 



" No, no, you beast," answered the overseer, rudely ; 

 "I would rather fire myself; besides, I can't trust to 

 your skill : you will fire too' wide." 



" I am more skilful than you think, and I can tell by 

 the size of his eyes at what distance the cayeute or the 

 stag is moving in the distance. However, do as you like, 

 Massa Slouch ; but be sure and keep silent, and creep 

 along the ground so as not to frighten the game." 



Without more delay the two poachers advanced in the 

 gloom, avoiding the rays of light which the blazing pine- 

 apples emitted. They had scarcely gone fifty yards when, 

 at twenty yards before them, they discovered a magnificent 

 fall-grown stag browzing on Mr. Ramson's beans. But 

 before Slouch could take aim the animal disappeared. 



" Confusion ! " cried the overseer, " I have lost a 

 splendid chance ; but never mind, if he is not alone, woe 

 to his companion ! " 



