THE END OF THE CHASE.
"What are you up there for?" said Jack.
"To take an observation," the fellow replied, out of breath, but still cheerful. "First-rate view of the country up here. I fancy I see a doe and a fawn off on the prairie; wouldn't you like a shot at 'em?"
"I've other game to look after just now!" Jack replied.
"Better look out for your horse; he's running away!"
"My horse isn't in the habit of running away without help. Will you come down?"
"I was just going to invite you to come up. I'll share my lodgings with you,—give you an upper berth. A very good tavern; rooms airy, fine prospect; though the table don't seem to be very well supplied, and I can't say I fancy the entrance. 'Sich gittin' up stairs I never did see!'"
Jack checked this flow of nonsense by shouting, "Will you come down, or not?"
"Suppose not?" said the fellow.
"Then I leave the dog to guard the door of your tavern, and go for a warrant and a constable, to bring you down."
"What would you have me come down for? You seem to be very pressing in your attentions to a stranger!"
"Don't say stranger,—you who drove the deer in for me! I am anxious to pay you for that kindness. I want you to ride with me."
"Why didn't you say so before?" cried the rogue, rolling a fresh quid in his cheek. "I always ride when you ask me to, don't I? Say, did you ever know me to refuse when you offered me a ride? Which way are you going?"
"Down through the woods," said Jack, amused, in spite of himself, at the scamp's reckless gayety.
"Why, that's just the way I am going! Why didn't you mention it? I never should have put up at this tavern if I had thought a friend would come along and give me a lift in his carriage. Please relieve the guard, and I'll descend."
The dog was driven off, and the youth dropped from the branches to the ground.
"Pick up your coat," said Jack, "and do pretty much as I tell you now, or there'll be trouble. None of your tricks this time!"
He held the reins and the gun while he made the fellow get into the buggy; then took his seat, with the prisoner on his left and the gun on his right, drove on to the travelled track, and turned into the woods; the vigilant Lion walking close by the wheel.