THE WONDERFUL HARE-HUNT. Al

and trod with a more cautious step; each beater bent his head
nearly to the ground, and crept along the grass. A plan of attack
was formed; the beaters stole within the wood to stop the hares
that way, while the sportsmen suddenly appearing on the other
side, caused the poor hares, surrounded as they were, to run into
the very jaws of destruction. They that leaped towards the wood
received blows on their heads from the beaters; they that ran
down the hill met Ponto the dog, who pounced on them open-
mouthed; and they that ran upwards were soon sent downwards
again, toppling head over heels, killed by the fire of the enemy.
Not a hare escaped. The gun-bearers took deadly aim, and Ponto
and the beaters prevented their flight.

While the young sportsmen and their helpers were yet picking
up the hares and rejoicing at their good fortune, the sky became
quickly overcast, black clouds gathered, and a hurricane of wind
swept through the wood, tearing off large branches of the trees.
The sportsmen stood amazed at the suddenness of the storm, but
presently their amazement was changed to fear; for, riding in a
bright chariot drawn by six snow-white swans,— blown swiftly
by the wind,— there appeared a lady of fairy-like beauty. At
her command the beautiful birds stayed their flight, and the
chariot rested on the green turf close by the sportsmen.

‘“ Young men,” said the lady in a melodious but mournful