“Why? he would not leave you, even were he to get loose,” replied Glenn.
“I don’t think he would—but I’d rather not leave him yet awhile, till I get a little better used to hunting,” said Joe, probably thinking there might be some danger to himself on foot in a country where bears, wolves, and panthers were sometimes seen.
“Can you fire while sitting on your pony?” inquired Glenn.
“I suppose so,” said Joe; “though I never thought to try it yet.”
“Suppose you try it now, while I watch the deer, and see if what I have been told is true, that the mere report of a gun will not alarm them.”
“Well, I will,” said Joe. “I think Pete knows as well as the steed, that shooting on him won’t hurt him.”
“Fire away, then,” said Glenn, looking steadfastly at the deer. Joe fired, and none of the deer ran off. Some continued their playful sports, while others browsed along without lifting their heads; in all likelihood the report did not reach them. But Glenn heard a tremendous thumping behind, and on turning round, beheld his man quietly lying on the ground, and the pony standing about ten paces distant, with his head turned towards Joe, his ears thrust forwards, his nostrils distended and snorting, and his little blue eyes ready to burst out of his head.
Glenn heard a tremendous thumping behind.
“How is this, Joe?” inquired Glenn, scarce able to repress a smile at the ridiculous posture of his man.