They were instantly on their feet, with their rifles levelled.
It was too late; day had broken, and there was light enough to
convince them that nothing was to be seen. The sheep's quarters had,
however, entirely disappeared, and they had the satisfaction of
knowing that they had politely given the denizens of the forest a
feast gratis.
"Ah, they shall pay us for it yet," said Jack.
"This is a case of the hunters being caught instead of the game,"
remarked Fritz.
"The poor sheep! If Ernest had been here, he would have erected a
monument to its memory."
"I doubt that; epitaphs are generally made rather to please the living
than to compliment the defunct. But, Willis, we must deprive you of
your office of huntsman in chief--I shall go into the forest and
revenge this insult."
"I have no objection to abdicate the office of huntsman, but must
retain that of admiral, in which capacity I announce to you that there
will be a storm presently, and that we shall just have time to make
Rockhouse before it overtakes us."
"That is rather a reason for our remaining where we are."
"We have come for skins, and skins we must have."
"Besides, we are two to one, and in all constitutional governments the
majority rules."
"Have you both made up your minds?" inquired Willis.
"Yes, we are quite decided.
Pages:
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172