BEAR-HOUNDS. 167 



But before the hunt began, the most careful sportsmen 

 of the party foimd many little things to do. After a 

 night passed in the woods, the dew leaves its damp 

 marks upon the guns ; bullet-pouches have been left 

 carelessly on the wet grass, blankets have to be rolled 

 up, horses to be saddled, to say nothing of preparing 

 and swallowing a breakfast much resembling the pre- 

 vious evening's supper; so that the sun had been up 

 at least an hour before we were all ready. 



The pack of hounds was tolerably large and very 

 mixed in character, comprising dogs of every breed and 

 age. Some were quiet reserved old hounds, thoroughly 

 up to their business, and in many cases bearing marks 

 of former encounters on their skins. These old stagers 

 seemed to have a thorough contempt for the younger 

 members of the association, who would scamper off 

 after rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals. The 

 old dogs paid no attention to the yells and barks of the 

 youngsters, though they would seemingly sneer at some 

 puppy as he bounded by, as if to say, ' Just wait till a 

 bear's afoot, and we'll see whether you'll be so forward.' 



'Keep your eye on Spring, that black dog,' said 



Major C . ' If he gives tongue, you may bet high 



that it's a find.' 



' You wait till Rush puts in a word or two,' exclaimed 

 Uncle Ben ; ' he never lies. He don't bark. Rush don't, 

 but he means work.' 



Ben Thompson, as leader, had command of every- 



