90 THE EASTEEN HUNTERS. 



in many various months, and found the eggs of the 

 painted partridge in August. 



However this may be, the hunters were not 

 deterred by any scruples on the score of season from 

 adding to their bill of fare; regarding the destruc- 

 tion at any time of eatable fowls of the air as quite 

 legitimate when they were required for food. So 

 they returned soon after sunset with one or tAvo pea- 

 fowl, a hare, a grey partridge or two, and some 

 green pigeons ; some of which were converted into 

 a stew, while they were enjoying their usual 

 evening swim, and soon after appeared on the 

 dinner-table. 



"Are all these people as superstitious as old 

 Rugonauth describes them ? " asked Hawkes after 

 dinner, as they sat discussing the day's events. "Do 

 they really believe so profoundly in ' Jado ' ? " 



" Yes," replied Norman. " The power to bewitch 

 is attributed to many ; and strange to say, not- 

 withstanding the punishment which too often falls 

 to their lot, those believed to possess the power 

 very frequently admit it." 



" It gives them consideration among their people, 

 and attracts a respect they certainly wouldn't get 

 without," observed Mackenzie. "But, on the whole, 

 I should think it was rather a dangerous accomplish- 

 ment, Frightful atrocities are committed under 



