THE FIEE HUNTER. 251 



last long. When they had separated the deer into 

 two divisions, it was bestowed in a long valise-like 

 bag ; and, bound with the cord before mentioned, 

 was slung up in a most business-like way behind 

 the saddle of the hunter. And now they were 

 moving from the ground, when a noise attracted the 

 quick ear of Slouch. 



" I hear a deer," said he. " He'll stop to look at 

 the light. I'll take the fire, and try if he will stand. 

 You Pompey, stand by my horse till I fire." 



Onward with noiseless step, on tiptoe, Slouch 

 advanced in the direction of the sound : the ground 

 (as they were now outside of the field) was not so 

 open as before some shrubs occasionally interven- 

 ing to obstruct the view ; but he looked eagerly for- 

 ward and catching sight of an eye that glared 

 from the midst of the shrubbery, fired the barrel 

 which he had in reserve. Pompey moved quickly 

 up, to give his help ; and came just in time to find 

 Slouch in great confusion, standing over a fine colt, 

 that he had shot down by mistake ! 



"The devil!" said the- fire hunter, in dismay; 

 " had it been clear ground, I should never have 

 done that. Pompey, man see where he's shot." 



" "Wha use ! he dead as a door-nail," said Pom- 



"What's to be done?" said Slouch, in a tone of 

 16 



