at was all.

Verty now stood with one hand on Cloud's mane, in the early morning,
ready to set forth.

The pigeon was perched upon his left hand, secured to Verty's arm by a
ribbon tied around one of its feet. This ribbon had been given him by
Redbud.

In the other hand he carried his rifle, for some days disused--at his
feet lay Longears and Wolf, in vain pleading with down-cast eyes for
permission to accompany him.

"What a lovely morning!" said Verty, "and look at Cloud, _ma
mere_!--he seems to know it's fall. Then there's Wolf, who can't
understand what I told him about Mr. Rushton's not liking so many
dogs--see how sorry he is."

"The gun makes him so," said the old woman; "he thinks my boy is going
a hunting."

"Maybe I shall--who knows?" Verty said. "If I see a deer upon my way,
good-bye to the law work!"

And bounding lightly into the saddle--a movement which caused the
pigeon to open and flutter its wings--Verty smiled on the old woman,
placed his hand on his breast, and touched Cloud with his heel.

Cloud shook his head, and set forward cheerfully, Longears galloping
by his master's side.

Verty drank in the Autumn loveliness with that delight which he always
experienced in the fresh pure hills, with the mountain winds around
him. The trees seemed to be growing more and more gorgeous in their
coloring, and the cries of wild birds were far more jubilant
than ever. As he went on along the narrow bridle path, under the
magnificent boughs, his countenance was brighter and more joyous, and
he broke once or twice into a song.

Suddenly, while he was humming thus in a low tune, to himself, a still
"croak!" attracted his attention, and he stopped abruptly.

"Ah!" he murmured, "that's a good big gobbler, and I'll see about
him!"

And Verty cautiously dismounted, and with one foot raised, listened
for a repetition of the sound.

It was not long before the turkey's call was again heard from a thick
copse on his left.

The young hunter turned, and imprisoning Cloud's nostril in his
nervous grasp, looked fixedly into that intelligent animal's eyes.
Cloud seemed to understand very well--nodded his head--drew a long
breath--and stood like a statue. Verty then placed his foot upon
Longears, made a gesture with his hand, and Longears showed himself
equally docile. He laid down, and without moving, followed his master
with his eyes, and listened.

Verty crept noiselessly, without treading on a leaf or a tw