“That’s where I’ll stand,” thought I, “and then I can lean my second gun against the tree”; and I moved towards the tree, sinking up to my knees in the snow at each step. I trod the snow down, and made a clearance about a yard square, to stand on. One gun I kept in my hand; the other, ready cocked, I placed leaning up against the tree. Then I unsheathed and replaced my dagger, to make sure that I could draw it easily in case of need.

Just as I had finished these preparations, I heard Damian shouting in the forest:

“He’s up! He’s up!”

And as soon as Damian shouted, the peasants round the circle all replied in their different voices.

“Up, up, up! Ou! Ou! Ou!” shouted the men.

“Ay! Ay! Ay!” screamed the women in high-pitched tones.