ntinued Basil, "let us try every chance
that is left. Are you loaded?"

"Yes," replied Lucien.

"Fire, then, a moment or two after I do. The first report may call his
attention to the second."

Basil raised his piece and fired into the air. A few seconds after,
Lucien fired also, and both stood to listen, their hearts beating
audibly.

For five minutes or more they stood--so that Francois might have time to
load his gun, if empty. There was no response.

Again the brothers loaded their rifles--with powder only--putting in
heavy charges and ramming home tightly, in order that the explosions
might be the louder. Again they fired as before. The result was the
same; there was no answer to their signal.

"It proves that he is very distant," said Lucien, "for sounds can be
heard a great way off in this region."

"Let us try a smoke," said Basil, putting away his rifle. "Gather some
wood, Luce, while I kindle the leaves."

Basil picked up some pieces of the burning wad; and having taken it out
to the open ground, raked together a pile of dry leaves and grass, and
ignited it. Meanwhile Lucien collected an armful of sticks, and placed
them upon the pile. Others were then thrown on top, with green leaves
and boughs broken from the trees, and, over all, several armfuls of
Spanish moss which hung plentifully from the oaks. A thick blue smoke
soon ascended high into the heavens; and the brothers stood with
searching eyes that scrutinised the prairie in all directions.

"He must be far off if he cannot see that," remarked Lucien. "It should
be visible for ten miles around, I should think!"

"At least that much," answered Basil; "but he would not be long in
getting ten miles away. The chase might have carried him a good part;
and, finding himself lost, he would soon gallop the rest."

"Unless," suggested Lucien, "he may have ridden about, as you did, upon
his own trail."

"No, he would not be likely. Poor little Francois would not think of
it; he has not enough craft for that; and, indeed, I almost hope that he
has not done so."

"Why do you hope so?" inquired Lucien.

"Because we will stand a better chance of making out his trail if he has
gone straight forward."

"True, true," rejoined Lucien, and both again were silent, and stood
watching the prairie openings with anxious eyes.

They remained for a considerable time, but at length turned to each
other with countenances that exhibited a disappointed