188 SAVAGE SVANETIA. 



The scene of this night's vigil, as far as 

 I was concerned, was between two tiny fields 

 at a great height, divided from one another 

 by a steep grass-bank, so that they looked 

 like two steps of corn. There was a deserted 

 log-hut in one — the lower one, and the forest 

 was so thick on all sides that the place was 

 almost dark before sunset. There were no 

 signs of bear, moreover, so I had very little 

 hope of success ; and sat on" the grass-bank 

 watching the lower step, while Simon, perched 

 a foot or two above me, watched the upper, 

 listening rather for the hoped-for report of 

 Frank's rifle than for the tread of game 

 coming my way. 



Presently the thunderstorm gathered, 

 black and furious, right over our heads, and 

 for a time the big pelting drops drove us 

 into the log-hut for shelter. Presently the 

 rain ceased, and Simon and myself took our 

 places on the slope again, chiefly interested 



