THE COMMODORE AND CREW. 223 

In the afternoon of the next day the Commodore, after 
finishing a cigar, really startles us with the intelligence that 
he has an idea. 
‘¢ What is it, if you please? and I think you'd better tie it.” 
Sieve cot him |” 
‘¢Ts he down?” 
‘¢ Not yet, but he shall be.” 
‘¢ Gracious!” 
**Now, Mr. Crew, what’s your best, thought-up plan to 
get that buck’s horns?” 
‘*¢T haven’t thought; it’s such a bother.” 
‘¢ Well, in that case, we are going torch shooting.” And 
immediately he sets about his preparations. 
‘¢Mr. Commodore, what are we going to do for a good 
jack light?” 
eoVWe have it in pieces.” 
‘¢]T haven’t seen it.” 
‘¢You have, indeed; there hangs the fry pan; in my box, 
the wire; on the trees, the crooked cedar limbs to support the 
pan; on the shore, the fat pine for the torch, and elegant it 
is, too, as it burns like a candle, and if this isn’t suiting you, 
we have bears’ oil, spruce gum, birch bark, pork, bacon, 
butter ”” — : 
‘* Hold up, Commodore; spare the little butter, or you 
touch my tender feelings. I am already completely won over 
on the pitchy pine, and am your most enthusiastic admirer.” 
‘“?Tis well! this thing shall be done! and all made ready, 
previous to the time when the shades of eve prevail.” 
‘¢T say, Commodore; you have forgotten something.” 
‘¢ Forgotten nothing; for between us and the light, stretched 
upon a frame, we will use the rubber blanket, already torn in 
its centre, just right for the peeping chance.” 
