k hickory-trees. There was a spring near the
centre of the grove, and near this spring the horses were tied, as there
grew around it plenty of grass of the mezquite species. The dried meat,
which formed the staple of their own provisions, had been scattered by
Jeanette in her flight, and of course lost. What were they to have for
dinner? This was an important question; and by way of answer to it,
Basil and Francois took up their guns and walked out to see whether they
could fall in with a squirrel or some other eatable creature. But the
sun was yet high, and no squirrels could be seen--for these little
creatures hide themselves during mid-day, coming out only in the
mornings and evenings to feed and play.

Failing to start any game in the thick shady grove, the young hunters
bethought them of making trial around its edge; and, after walking a
hundred yards or so, they came near the border of the prairie. They did
not show themselves suddenly, as they were in hopes they might discover
deer, partridges, or some other game in--what is usually a favourite
resort--the open ground along the edge of the woods. They stole
silently forward, therefore, using the large tree-trunks to screen them.

The prairie was a clear one--that is, without timber-islands, only here
and there a tree, and these but small ones, mostly black-jacks and
shell-barks. They could see over its surface to a great extent, as it
was quite level and covered with short spring buffalo-grass. No deer
was upon it. Not an animal of any sort. Yes, there was. On looking
more carefully, at no great distance--about two hundred yards out--they
beheld two small creatures running over the sward, and at intervals
squatting upon their haunches like monkeys, as if conversing with each
other.

"Prairie-dogs," suggested Francois.

"No," said Basil, "they are not that, for I see no tails. The
prairie-dogs have long tails."

"What can they be, then?"

"Hares, I take it," replied Basil, looking through his fingers.

"Hares!" ejaculated Francois, in some surprise. "Why, they are not
bigger than rats! Do you mean that they are young hares?"

"No, indeed, full-grown hares of their species."

"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Francois. "Why, brother, what are your eyes good
for? You think they are far off, don't you? I tell you they are not
two hundred yards from us, and a grey squirrel would be a giant beside
them. Hares, indeed!"

"I am still of that opinion,"