The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1895-03-20
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
fellow had one misfortune. He never
succeeded when he went ont hunting,
and yet he obstinately persisted in hunt
ing all the same.
What was a rare thing among CON-
mon people at that time, Lohier had q
pretty home of his own-the gift of a
generous lord, whose life he had saved.
It was made up of cottage beside lit
tie pool full of fish, a 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. It was in vain
that he set out of 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 flew up be-
fore him without hurrying, as If they
knew his i'll 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 GO
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,
whilo they were drinking each others
healths. What present do you wish
mo to make you for your marriage?"
His cousin answered, jokingly: "Oh,
I'm not hard to please, just bring me n
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 tho table heavy blow
with his fist, he said; Don't you be-
lieve that if wished to take tho trouble
| should be us good hunter as any Of
your
"Provo 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 l2 partridges shot
with my own hand, will give you my
house and property without any condi-
lions. v
"Agreedp' they all cried. And the
take the open hand of Lohier rs q sign of
tho 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 reproaohes. "Do you
wish to have us ruined?" she said, weep
ing. "Aftcr two days we shall be beg
CARS without q roof to our heads, for
you are too clumsy to win this wretohed
bet. -
Lohier answered sharply, though ut
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 go again to miss our game. "
The first day s 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," no said to his
dog as he shared with him the remain
der of his bread, 81 think we shall have
10 get used to poverty. Tomorrow shall
certainly have lost the property which I
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 no 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 stupe-
fed at tho sight before him. In the
midst Of deep darkness, for tho moon
did not shine that night, tho gray rock
had grown luminous, while the water
Of the spring, sometimes blue and some
times rose color, seemed to sparkle with
sapphires and rubies. Lohier remember
cd that the old men of the country call
ed this "the fairies rock" because,
they eaid, 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
wretched mani Help me to kill tomor-
row tho six hares and the IL cartridges
which will permit me to keep my home. ;"
1t seemed to him that voice Of crys-
tai mingled with the murmur of the
spring and repeated softly:
"Six hares and IL partridgesf"
Eyes. yes; nothing but that" he an
swered. 81 shall owe you more than life
itselfr'
A beautiful fame, brilliant as dia-
mond, escaped from the summit OF tho
rock, which became dark and gray once
more.
1T is the fairy who has gone away, "
thought Lohier, full of hope, and ne
turned over and slept again.
The next day when the sun had arisen
he was afraid he had simply dreamed.
But scarcely had he loaded his rife to
begin the hunt when from every point
of the moorland there came toward him
in crowds rabbits, cartridges, pheasants,
,...osI o,d a,,;na Gonu tho littla nnou