256 



WILD SPORTS IN THE SOUTH. 



the tent that he had left open, and ef he hadn't had a smart beast 

 under him, he 'd had his neck stretched. I 'spec't he 's a-runnin' 

 yit. Lordy, I wish I could ketch him ! " 



As no one could suggest any means of finding him, no one 

 spoke. The fire flickered, the negros laid themselves down with 

 their heads to the fire and their feet bare. Potter sprawled out on 

 his back with his fur cap over his face. Every man chose his own 

 position, and first one, and then another travelled into the land of 

 forgetfulness : — 



• ' A pleasing land of drowsy bead it was, 

 Of dreams that were before tbe half-shut eye ; 

 And of gay castles in the clouds that pass, 

 For ever flushing round a summer sky. " 



^, 



