74 WILD CATTLE. 



island, are ready and willing to charge at any object 

 that may excite their anger ; while, in open lists, they 

 would bid defiance to the boldest and most expert 

 Spanish matadores. 



Colonel A was well known by all the darkies, 



having, on several other occasions, killed wild cattle 

 there. As we rode up towards the old planter's deserted 

 house, he gave a loud blast upon his horn, which at 

 once drew them from the various holes and corners 

 where they had bestowed themselves. 



' Whoop ! dar dey comes : — deres Massa Colonel ! 

 come to shoot ole cow — dere dey is ! —come out dat, 

 you black niggars.' 



Such were the sounds which saluted our ears, and at 

 the same moment a pack of curs of all ages, and every 

 possible breed or cross-breed, appeared upon the scene, 

 adding their bowlings and barkings to the general 

 tumult. 



^ Mornin ' gemmen ! Yah ! old bull round about dis 

 mornin' make lots o' tracks, — and, Massa Colonel, dat 

 ole bull am more savagous dan ebber since you was 

 down here lass.' 



So spake the leader of the gang of sable islanders, 

 while the others stood grinning and laughing, as if 

 that were the only object they had in life, — debating 

 on the merits of their own particular dogs. 



' Silence, you chattering lunatic crows ! ' exclaimed 

 the Colonel. * If I had my way, you should all be at 



