"It will be quite sufficient
to give me that title when you find me with venison in my possession;
and as for going with you, that I certainly shall not. Sheer off, or
you may meet with harm."
"Why, you young good-for-nothing, if you have not venison, it is not
from any will not to take it; you are out in pursuit of it, that is
clear. Come, come, you've the wrong person to deal with; my orders are
to take up all poachers, and take you I will."
"If you can," replied Edward; "but you must first prove that you are
able so to do; my gun is as good and my aim is as sure as yours,
whoever you may be. I tell you again, I am no poacher, nor have I come
out to take the deer, but to cross over to the intendant's cottage,
whither I am now going. I tell you thus much, that you may not do any
thing foolish; and having said this, I advise you to think twice
before you act once. Let me proceed in peace, or you may lose your
place, if you do not, by your own rashness, lose your life."
There was something so cool and so determined in Edward's quiet
manner, that the verderer hesitated. He perceived that any attempt to
take Edward would be at the risk of his own life; and he knew that his
orders were to apprehend all poachers, but not to shoot people.
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