Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1895-03-27
LOHIER, THE HUNTER

LOHIER, THE HUNTER
Long years ago when the fairies still
used their power there lived young
man named Lohier. He was good look
ing and not without wit, but the poor
fellowrhad one misfortune He never
succeeded when he went out hunting,
and yet he obstinately persisted in hunt
ing all the same.
What was a rare thing among COM
mon people at that time, Lohier had
pretty home Of his own-the gift Of a
generous lord, whose life he had saved.
It was made up of cottage beside a lit
tie pool full Of fish, few acres of land
and moor, where, doubtless there was
plenty of game under the broom and the
briers. This moorland was the torment
of the poor mans life. 1t was in vain
that he set out at the break Of day, his
rifle on his arm, and his dog, Pataud,
at his heels, to beat tho bushes until
evening. Rabbits and hares slipped
away between his feet, while the par
tridges and the little birds few up be-
fore him without hurrying, as If they
knew his ill luck.
There is no need to say that the peo-
pie of the village laughed loudly when
they met Lohier with his empty game
sack and Pataud lowering his ears. But
when he came home the unfortunate
hunter had the same reception. His
wife, Paulette, overwhelmed him with
her reproaohes
Usually Lohier bore it all with good
grace and was only bent the more on 60
ing hunting.
However, one evening he came back
in bad humor, after having spent in
vain his whole provision of powder. He
found at the cottage his cousin William,
who was waiting for him with all his
mates to ask him to his wedding. After
the first compliments, Paulette brought
out jug of cider which put every one
in good humor.
"See here, William" cried Lohier,
while they were drinking each others
healths. "What present do you wish
me to make you for your marriage?"
His cousin answered, jokingly: "Oh,
I'm not hard to please just bring me
few fine pieces Of game for the wedding
breakfast. That will be easy for hunt
er like you"
This displeased Lohier, who became
quite angry as he saw the other smil-
ing. So, striking the table heavy blow
with his fist, he said: "Don't you be-
lieve that if wished to take the trouble
I should be US good hunter as any Of
you?"
"Prove it, then," answered the young
man, who were much amused at his
anger.
'"That's easy enough" retorted the
imprudent Lohier, carried away by self
love. IF after two days do not bring
you six rabbits and IL cartridges shot
with my own hand, will give you my
house and property without any oondi-
lions"
Agreed" they all cried. And the
young men came one after another to
take the open hand Of Lohier as sign of
the agreement. Then they all went
away.
Paulette laughed no longer. As soon
as William and his companions had dis
appeared she filled the house with her
lamentations and overwhelmed her hus-
band with her reproaches. "Do you
wish to have us ruined?" she said, weep
ing. "After two days we shall be beg
gars without q roof to our heads, for
you are too clumsy to win this wretohed
bet''
Lohier answered sharply. though at
heart he trembled, asking himself how
he should get out of this evil plight.
With the morning he set forth, accom-
panied by his faithful Pataud, who said
plainly in the language of dogs, Here
We 90 again to miss our game
The first days results showed that the
wise Pataud was right. Not an animal
with fur or feathers had been touched
by the shots Of Lohier. He did not dare
go back to the house, where nothing
awaited him but the complaints and re-
proaches Of Paulette.
my poor comrade, A." he said to his
dog as he shared with him the remain.
der Of his bread, II think we shall have
to get used to poverty. Tomorrow shall
certainly have lost the property which /
risked so foolishly."
When he had finished his frugal meal,
the fresh water Of spring bubbling up
from gray rock allowed him to refresh
himself. Then he stretched himself out
sadly on the briers, where sleep did not
delay finding him.
1t was near midnight when the hunter
awakened with start. He was stupa-
fed at the sight before him. In the
midst Of deep darkness, for the moon
did not shine that night, the gray rock
had grown luminous, while the water
Of the spring, sometimes blue and some-
times rose color, seemed to sparkle with
and rubies Lohier remember
ed that the old men Of the country call.
ed this ''the fairies rock" because,
they said, those mysterious beings held
council there An idea suddenly enter
ed his mind, and he cried out with
loud voice:
FAIRY Of the briers. have pity on
wretohed man! Help me to kill tomor-
row the six hares and the 10 cartridges
which will permit me to keep my home. +"
It seemed to him that a voice Of crys-
tai mingled with the murmur Of the
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