By the way, Compton ?" "Yes, sir." "You and Venning may as well amuse yourselves by getting the stores on board in case we leave to-morrow." "That depends on how the game goes," replied the officer.

"If you win, we must keep you for a return match." "That is only fair.

But I may lose; so, my lads, go on with the packing." The boat went off up the river hugging the banks, and the whole village sat down to watch the stalk, all but a few who went to and fro between Venning at the house and Compton in the boat, carrying the stores.

The two officers turned in, with mats drawn, to enjoy their siesta, and the guards on duty sought the shade of the trees by the bank to watch the hunt.
The hunt was not a matter to be decided out of hand, by a swift paddle straight up to the sand-bank in the river, and a chance shot.
The canoe crept up slowly and passed out of sight.

The old hunters in the watching crowd took counsel together, and then the chief of them announced what would happen.