with a morsel in his teeth. A few bubbles and
blotches of red froth mottling the inky surface of the water, were all
that remained where the hound had lately been plunging.

Almost a similar scene occurred on the opposite side of the log--for the
water was but a few feet in depth, and the dead hound was visible as he
lay at the bottom. Several of the reptiles approaching on that side,
had seen this one at the same time, and, rushing forward, they served
him precisely as his companion had been served by the others. A crumb
of bread could not have disappeared sooner among a shoal of hungry
minnows, than did the brace of deer-hounds down the throats of these
ravenous reptiles.

Singular as was the incident, it had scarce drawn my notice. I had far
other things to think of.

After firing the pistol, I remained standing upon the tree, with my eyes
fixed in the direction whence came the hounds.

I gazed intently among the tree-trunks, away up the dark vistas of the
forest, I watched the cane-brake, to note the slightest motion in the
reeds. I listened to every sound, while I stood silent myself, and
enjoined silence upon my trembling companion.

I had but little hope then. There would be more dogs, no doubt--slower
hounds following in the distance--and with them the mounted man-hunters.
They could not be far behind--they could not fail to come up soon--the
sooner that the report of my pistol would guide them to the spot. It
would be of no use making opposition to a crowd of angry men. I could
do nothing else than surrender to them.

My companion entreated me to this course; abjured me not to use my
weapons--for I now held the second pistol in my hand. But I had no
intention of using them should the crowd of men come up; I had only
taken out the pistol as a precaution against the attack of the dogs--
should any more appear.

For a good while I heard no sounds from the forest, and saw no signs of
our pursuers. What could be detaining them? Perhaps the crossing of
the bayou; or the tract of marsh. I knew the horsemen must there leave
the trail; but were they all mounted?

I began to hope that Gabriel might yet be in time. If he had not heard
the signal-whistle, he must have heard the reports of my pistol? But,
on second thoughts, that might only keep him back. He would not
understand the firing, and might fear to come with the pirogue!

Perhaps he had heard the first signal, and was now on his way. It