Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1878-07-19
THE POACHER'S SHOT.

Bang
1t was the report of gun, and II
young fawn, which had bounded from
the dark recesses of the forest into an
open glade, where the soft moonlight
fell, silvering the dead leaves on the
ground, gave II sudden start, stood still
for an instant, and then fell on its
side
We've caught the vagabond ut last, y
whispered one garde-chasse to another
where they were concealed Ill the deep
shadow OF some trees; while as quietly
AS possible he descended from his horse
for they were mounted.
Here, catch hold of these"
And, giving the other his reins to
hold, he peered through the bushes. As
he did SO, a man emerged from the
darkness, gave Il quick glance around,
and then picking up the fawn, exam
ined it to See if it was dead The garde-
chasse sprang forward, when the sound
made the poaGher turn. In Il second
he dropped the animal, aiid presented
his double-barreled gun, the first barrel
Of which lad put an end 70 the exist
ence Of the poor little creatuee at ms
feet. His eyes glared wildly from be-
ncatn his unkempt hair, and has whole
appearance bespoke so desperate de-
termination not to be taken, that inc
keeper drew back for an instant, hesl-
tatiny, for he had not anticipated re-
siStance.
Come II step nearer said tho,
poacher, "and you are y dead man.
You dare not" cried the other,
with Il sudden movement TO seAe
him.
There was II second report, heavy
fall, and the poacher, seizlng the iawn,
disappeared into the darkness, followed
bv Shot from the second garde chase.
This latter than tied the horses to g
tree. and now raised the head Of his
fallen companion.
"Are youhurt, Chaumont Z? he asked
anXiously.
"The villain has killed me, Adolphe,
said the other, feebly, with hls hand
pressed to his side.
AT that instant there was Il light foot
stem heard, and an exclamation of hor
ror made theman addressed rs Adolph,
look up, when to his astonlshment, ho
saw before him i girl Of twenty, hei
handsome, gipsy-likc features distorte1
with fright and looking ashy white II
the moonlight.
"Oh. Pierre 7" she uttered, clasplne
her hands in agony, what ls tins yol
have done?'
Then, throwing herself on her knees
she took the keepers head on he
knee.
nothing for him - she cried. Hay
YOU no brandy 81 anything? All, poo
man. he is dying be is dying on
whv Do YOU not fetch help
fer tears fell fast, but Adolphe pai
no heed to her, for lac knew we'll tina
ere he could return with help i wouI
he too late; 80 he only held hls friend
hand, and leaned over him IS catch "
words that fell almost inaudiby frof
Ills lips.
My poor father, Adophc-Ae IA
no one.
~ will care fcr MIN, was the answt
ina lgw tone; and Slight pressure
tbo hand showed that the reply WI
heard. The girI, with a trembling ham
.natcheda little crucitix from the hreas
and held it before his eye-. lnen II
INT il 10 his lbs, before laying hls hea
gently 81 the ground.
Then. feeling tie hand rclaS II ,gra'
II his eMl, Adolphe knew that aii w
over. He looked up A. the glrl, "ho
tears still fell slowly.
.IGo. child, and inform the gendarm
If this. will stay here till yon Urn
assistance.
His tome WAS authoritiva- and u
.nranc 10 her feet, darted away doY
the beaten path, to be LIT II sisht u
instant