CHAPTER LVII.
THE SECOND HUNT IN THE MOUNTAINS FAIR dawned, over the hills of Martair, the jocund morning of our hunt.
Everything had been prepared for it overnight; and, when we arrived at the house, a good breakfast was spread by Shorty: and old Tonoi was bustling about like an innkeeper.

Several of his men, also, were in attendance to accompany us with calabashes of food; and, in case we met with any success, to officiate as bearers of burdens on our return.
Apprised, the evening previous, of the meditated sport, the doctor had announced his willingness to take part therein.
Now, subsequent events made us regard this expedition as a shrewd device of the Yankee's.

Once get us off on a pleasure trip, and with what face could we afterward refuse to work?
Beside, he enjoyed all the credit of giving us a holiday.

Nor did he omit assuring us that, work or play, our wages were all the while running on.
A dilapidated old musket of Tonoi's was borrowed for the doctor.

It was exceedingly short and heavy, with a clumsy lock, which required a strong finger to pull the trigger.