But come, let us be settling.
Is it a lie now, Jem; speak out--is it a lie, consarn you? for if it be,
you'd best jest say 't out now, and save your bones to-morrow. Well,
boys, the critter's sulky, so most like it is true--and I guess we'll be
arter him. We'll be up bright and airly, and go a horseback, and if he
be there, we can kill him in no time at all, and be right back to
breakfast. I'll start Jem and the captain here, and Dave Seers, with the
dogs, an hour afore us! and let them come right down the swale, and
drive him to the open--Harry and Forester, you two can ride your own
nags, and I'll take old Roan, and A--- here shall have the colt."
"Very well! Timothy, did they feed well to-night? if they did, give them
their oats very early, and no water. I know it's too bad after their
work to-day, but we shall not be out two hours!"
"Weel! it's no matter gin they were oot six," responded Timothy, "they
wadna be a pin the waur o't!"
"Take out my rifle, then--and pick some buckshot cartridges to fit the
bore of all the double guns. Frank's got his rifle; so you can take my
heavy single gun--your gauge is 17, A---, quite too small for buckshot;
mine is 11, and will do its work clean with Ely's cartridge and pretty
heavy powder, at eighty-five to ninety yards.
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