36 BEING LOST IN THE FOREST. 
Now, this soldier was very fond of making 
short excursions into the forest ; and one 
evening he set out, intending, as usual, to 
^eep upon the outskirts, and to return before it 
was dark. But as he was walking along, a 
peacock ran across the path, and he was seized 
with a desire to catch it. He ran after it, 
pelting it with stones ; and became so much 
interested in the chase, that he forgot where he 
was, and entangled himself in the mazes of the 
forest. Then he gave up all wish for the pea- 
cock, as well he might, and thought only of 
how to find his way back ! 
But it was something like getting into a 
labyrinth. No path was to be seen ; and the 
best thing he could do was to climb a tree, 
and ascertain in which part of the sky the 
sun was setting, that it might be a guide to 
him. But the trees were tall and thick, and 
he could not see anything of the sun, or catch 
even his faintest gleams. So he descended in 
haste, dreading lest night, with her attendant 
dangers, should overtake him in this wilderness. 
But, alas ! an enemy met him at the very 
outset. He was trespassing on the domain 
of beasts, and birds, and reptiles, and could 
