Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1895-03-21
LOHIER, HEHUNTER

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 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. It was in vain
that he set ont at the break of day, his
rifle ON his arm, and his dog, Pataud,
at his heels, to beat the 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 reproaches.
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. lie
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 DO 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
should DO us good hunter as any Of
your
Prove ii, 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 condi-
tions. -
'sAgreedp' 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
CARS without a roof to our heads, for
you are too clumsy to win this wretched
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 20 miss our game >
The first day 3 results showed that the
wise Patand was right. Not an animal
with fur OF feathers had been touched
hy the shots q Lohier. He did not dare
so hack % the house. where nothing
awaited hIm bat the complaints and re-
breaches q Panletta
Ny poor comrade. I" he said 20 his
dog ~ he shared with him the remain
der of his bread. Il think we shall have
~ Ret used 20 poverty. Tomorrow shall
ourtainly haVs lost the property which
risked 80 foo1zhly.
When be bad finished his frugal meal.
the fresh water q q spring bubhling ND
from : gray rock allowed him 20 refresh
himssiL Ihen he stretched himself out
sadly On the hriars. where sleep did not
delay nndinE him.
twas near midnight when the hunter
awakened with start He was stupa-
0ed a. Ehe sight before him. In the
midst q 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
sapphires aud rubies Lohier remember
ed that the old men Of the country call
cd this the fairies rock. because,
they said. those mysterious beings held
council there. An idea suddenly enter
ed his mind, and he cried oat with q
loud voices
Fairy Of the brirrs. have pity OH 1
wrctchpd mani Help me TO kill tonior-
row the six harrs and the ~ partfidges
which VII permit me 70 keep my home. =
It seemed t. him that 4 voice Of crys-
tai mingled with The murmur Of the
spring and rcpenied softly:
six hares nnd 2 parfridResf'f'
YES yes; nothing but that Z he an