As he was threading his way,
he heard the howl of a dog, and on looking round, perceived that
Holdfast was not with him. He turned back, and Holdfast came running
to him--the fact was, that Holdfast had smelled some meat in the
pocket of the verderer, and had been putting his nose in to ascertain
what it was: in so doing, he had wakened up Corbould, who had saluted
him with a heavy blow on the head: this occasioned the puppy to give
the howl, and also occasioned Corbould to seize his gun, and follow
stealthily in the track of the dog, which he well knew to be the one
he had seen the day before with Edward.
Edward waited for a short time, and not perceiving that Corbould made
his appearance, continued on his way home, having now given up all
thoughts of killing any venison. He walked fast, and was within six
miles of the cottage, when he stopped to drink at a small rill of
water, and then sat down to rest himself for a short time. While so
doing, he fell into one of his usual reveries, and forgot how time
passed away. He was, however, aroused by a low growl on the part of
Holdfast, and it immediately occurred to him that Corbould must have
followed him. Thinking it as well to be prepared, he quietly loaded
his gun, and then rose up to reconnoiter.
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