HUNTING THE ROE. 225 



jaded and loitering hounds, who were scattered worse 

 than we were, we wended our way through the 

 dusky woods, and were not sorry to share the bless- 

 ings of the hospitable chateau. 



In a day or two, the hounds were again said to be 

 fit for the chase ; and, with M» de Cheveaux added to 

 our party, it was resolved to repair to a distant part 

 of the forest where roe-deer were in plenty, so to 

 ensure some venison. The spot appointed for our 

 meeting was in a splendid vista or road through the 

 woods, and when Maurice d'Anchald commenced his 

 draw, we all took up positions for a shot as the wind or 

 our fancies dictated. The cry commenced, as usual, 

 among the old babblers, but was soon after joined 

 by the English hounds, and very quickly the little 

 pack was divided into three parts. After changing 

 my place according to the intelligence afforded by 

 my ear, I selected again to make a stand in a large 

 wide vista, where the copse had been cut, and where 

 there was a fire, and some men burning charcoal. 

 The fire and smoke were large, and the two men 

 attending it in constant motion, so I went to some 

 distance along the ride, thinking that the charcoal- 

 burners and their appurtenances would scare the 

 deer towards the quiet part where I had resolved to 

 hide. 



Q 



