eer off or you may
meet with harm."

"Why, you young good-for-nothing, if you have not venison, it is not
from any will not to take it; you are out in pursuit of it, that is
clear. Come, come, you've the wrong person to deal with: my orders are
to take up all poachers, and take you I will."

"If you can," replied Edward; "but you must first prove that you are
able so to do; my gun is as good and my aim is as sure as yours, whoever
you may be. I tell you again, I am no poacher, nor have I come out to
take the deer, but to cross over to the Intendant's cottage, whither I
am now going. I tell you thus much, that you may not do anything
foolish; and having said this, I advise you to think twice before you
act once. Let me proceed in peace, or you may lose your place, if you
do not by your own rashness lose your life."

There was something so cool and so determined in Edward's quiet manner,
that the verderer hesitated. He perceived that any attempt to take
Edward would be at the risk of his own life; and he knew that his orders
were to apprehend all poachers, but not to shoot people. It was true
that resistance with firearms would warrant his acting in self-defence;
but admitting that he should succeed, which was doubtful, still Edward
had not been caught in the act of killing venison, and he had no
witnesses to prove what had occurred. He also knew that the Intendant
had given very strict orders as to the shedding of blood, which he was
most averse to under any circumstances; and there was something in
Edward's appearance and manner so different from a common person, that
he was puzzled. Moreover, Edward had stated that he was going to the
Intendant's house. All things considered, as he found that bullying
would not succeed, he thought it advisable to change his tone, and
therefore said, "You tell me that you are going to the Intendant's
house; you have business there, I presume? If I took you prisoner, it
is there I should have conducted you; so, young man, you may now walk on
before me."

"I thank you," replied Edward, "but walk on before you I will not: but
if you choose to half-cock your gun again, and walk by my side, I will
do the same. Those are my terms, and I will listen to no other; so be
pleased to make up your mind, as I am in haste."

The verderer appeared very indignant at this reply, but after a time
said, "Be it so."

Edward then uncocked his gun, with his eyes fixed upon the man, and the