"Maybe I shall--who knows?" Verty said. "If I see a deer upon my way,
good-bye to the law work!"

And bounding lightly into the saddle--a movement which caused the
pigeon to open and flutter its wings--Verty smiled on the old woman,
placed his hand on his breast, and touched Cloud with his heel.

Cloud shook his head, and set forward cheerfully, Longears galloping
by his master's side.

Verty drank in the Autumn loveliness with that delight which he always
experienced in the fresh pure hills, with the mountain winds around
him. The trees seemed to be growing more and more gorgeous in their
coloring, and the cries of wild birds were far more jubilant
than ever. As he went on along the narrow bridle path, under the
magnificent boughs, his countenance was brighter and more joyous, and
he broke once or twice into a song.

Suddenly, while he was humming thus in a low tune, to himself, a still
"croak!" attracted his attention, and he stopped abruptly.

"Ah!" he murmured, "that's a good big gobbler, and I'll see about
him!"

And Verty cautiously dismounted, and with one foot raised, listened
for a repetition of the sound.

It was not long before the turkey's call was again heard from a thick
copse on his left.