A WILD-CAT HUNT IN CAROLINA. 159 



caught him peeping out of the thicket, and cracked 

 off his double barrel I What news 3" " Habet," 

 says Splash. " Aye ! we shall see," thought I, as 

 the dogs came sweeping by the spot, and made no 

 check in their career. " Another ! what is that ?" 

 It is the judge. " A sentence, is it not ?" ISTo ! 

 the hounds yet fly with renovated speed, and more 

 animated cry. But what trampling noise is that ? 

 It is the j udge's steed, that, alarmed by this unwonted 

 extra-judicial proceeding, has left his bridle dangling 

 from the haw-tree, and pushed off might and main 

 for the quiet of his stable at home. Let him go 

 " the hunt will not pause !" The driver is dis- 

 mounted the judge bestrides a new steed, and 

 sits again prepared for mischief. Another shot ! 

 It is the doctor. That prescription must tell ! 

 No ! not dead yet ! sure " he bears a charmed 

 life!" Again, the hounds lead off; fiercer and 

 shriller is their yell. Another shot ! ah, now they 

 pause one savage growl one stifled cry and 

 all is hushed. It is Dash, who, pouring his 

 charge full in his throat, has given him his " coup 

 de grace." 



It was a tall, gaunt he-cat, of twenty-five pounds 

 weight ; and while the hunters gathered round 

 him, and drew him from the gripe of the dogs 



" How now?" says the judge, "what hocus po- 



