261 



CHAPTER XXI. 



HOMEWAKDS. 



Not far from where the chamois fell there gurgled a 

 rivulet ; and when our buck was put into the rucksack, 

 we sat down beside the pleasant water, and mixing a 

 cupful with a little rum, drank success to the merry 

 sport. Not that I was thirsty now, for the excitement 

 of the last two or three hours had prevented my think- 

 ing about it ; yet, thirsty or not, it was right cheerful to 

 sit on a mossy stone, rifle in lap, with a good chamois to 

 feast our eyes on, and to taste the delicious water that 

 was playing round the stones. But there was no time 

 for luxuriating thus. • 



" We must be going," said Neuner, " for it is a good 

 way home ; and if we wait much longer night will over- 

 take us before we reach the village." 



" Let me carry it," I said, as Neuner was about to 

 sling his rucksack, with the chamois in it, on his shoul- 

 ders; "I would rather, I assure you, — halfway at least." 



" Oh no, it is nothing ; I have many a time carried 

 two roebucks, and have still gone on stalking, as though 

 I had nothing. Two I did not feel, — I did not mind 

 them at all. I have even done so with three, and have 

 carried home five. Sixty, eighty pounds, I don't mind 

 now, but more I should not much like. 



