THE FIRE HUNTER. 253 



home ; and Pompey was preparing for an expedi- 

 tion, better suited to the darkness that encompassed 

 them, than to the too searching glance of the mid- 

 day sun. They approached the settlement unper- 

 ceived ; for the watch, as in duty bound, was, by 

 this time, fast asleep ! and the haunches and loin 

 of the buck were carefully bestowed in a sack, 

 while the fore-quarters were reserved for the fire 

 hunter and his associate. 



" Now, Pompey ! start off with this venison, and 

 carry it to the stage-house, and give it to Snug the 

 driver ; and tell him to take it to town, and leave 

 it, he knows where. Tell him to keep back his 

 part of the money, and send me the things I spoke 

 for, out of the balance." 



" Leetle 'bacca for me, Mass Slouch?" 



" Certainly, Pompey." 



" An' mus' I tek your hoss ?" 



" No ! day-light may catch you on the road ; and 

 I don't wish my horse seen there. Take the old 

 mare ; that will keep her from whickering after her 

 colt. And, do you hear, Pompey when you're 

 coming back, just turn into Softhead's field and 

 let the creetur go inside. If they knock her 

 brains out, I don't care ; and she'll be out of sight 

 for one day, any how ! So off, Pompey, and make 



no stay." 



J 162 



