120 FORESTER AND POACHERS. 



of the company ; the effect of their stalwart limbs and 

 swarthy complexions being heightened by the deep 

 gloom in the background, while the fitful glare of the 

 fire gave an additional interest to their countenances, 

 already sufficiently animated from the effects of the 

 whisky, which was passing freely round. 



For some moments Donald looked on in astonish- 

 ment. The men were not unknown to him, and he had 

 little doubt as to the object of their visit to such a spot. 

 But while thus watching, he gathered from their 

 vehement gestures and loud tones, that a conversation 

 was going on in which all seemed more than usually 

 interested. Incited by curiosity, he silently drew 

 nearer, in order, if possible, to overhear what was said; 

 and now he stood within the entrance of the cave 

 itself, but hidden from its inmates in the gloom. At 

 this very moment, what was his amazement and alarm, 

 on hearing his own name mentioned. At first it 

 occurred to him that his presence was known, and he 

 was just about to take to flight, when, on second 

 thoughts he determined to hear further, and satisfy his 

 increasing curiosity. He now learnt that the party were 

 discussing the possibility of being discovered ; one out 

 of the number suggesting that the fire's light might 

 attract the attention of some of the keepers, should any 

 be abroad. "And what if Donald Oag should, himself, 

 walk in?" said one, with a loud laugh. "What!" 

 replied the deep voice of another. "What! why, 

 before ever that blaze lit up his cowardly een, I would 

 just give him this ounce of lead in his black heart;" 

 and suiting the action to the word, the stout High- 

 lander sprang to his feet, put his piece to his shoulder, 

 and glanced fiercely down the barrel, exactly in the 

 direction of the spot where the keeper was standing 



