"

"It's a terrible beast, sir," replied Malachi. "I don't know that I ever
saw one larger; they are more than a match for one man, sir, and never
should be attempted single-handed, for they are so hard to kill."

"Where did my ball hit him?" said Alfred.

"Here, sir, under the shoulder, and well placed too. It must have gone
quite close to his heart; but unless you hit them through the brain or
through the heart, they are certain to make their dying spring. That's
an ugly wound on your shoulder, and will put a stop to your hunting for
five or six weeks, I expect. However, it's well that it's no worse."

"I feel quite strong now," replied Alfred.

"Another ten minutes, sir; let John and me whip off his skin, for we
must have it to show, if we have all the venison spoiled. Mr. Henry,
tell Martin only to take the prime pieces, and not to mind the hides,
for we shall not be able to carry much. And tell him to be quick, Mr.
Henry, for it will not do for Mr. Alfred to remain till his arm gets
stiff. We have many miles to get home again."

In the course of ten minutes Malachi and John had skinned the puma, and
Martin made his appearance with the haunches of two of the deer, which,
he said, was as much as they well could carry, and they all set off on
their return home.

Alfred had not proceeded far when he found himself in great pain, the
walking upon snow-shoes requiring so much motion as to open the wounds
and make them bleed again; but Malachi gave him his assistance, and
having procured him some more water they continued their route.

After a time the wounds became more stiff, and Alfred appeared to be
more oppressed by the pain. They proceeded, however, as fast as they
could, and at nightfall they were not far from home. But Alfred moved
with great difficulty; he had become very faint, so much so, that Martin
requested John would put down the venison and hasten before them to the
house to request Mr. Campbell to send some brandy or other cordial to
support Alfred, who was scarcely able to move on from weakness and loss
of blood. As they were not more than a mile from the house, John was
soon there, and hastening in at the door, he gave his message in
presence of Mrs. Campbell and his cousins, who were in a state of great
distress at the intelligence. Mr. Campbell went to his room for the
spirits, and as soon as he brought it out Emma seized her bonnet, and
said that she would accompany John.

Mr. and Mrs. Campb