I
hoped, could I but catch the mischievous rascals at their work of
destruction, to inflict upon them such a chastisement as would
effectually make them shun the neighbourhood of our farm for the
future.
My wife provided us with a good store of provisions, as we were likely
to be absent several days, while she, with Franz and Turk, remained at
home.
I took with me abundance of specially prepared birdlime, far stronger
than that which we used for the pigeons; a number of short posts,
plenty of string, and a supply of cocoanut shells and gourds.
The buffalo carried all these things, and one or two of the boys
besides. I myself bestrode the ass, and in due time we arrived at a
convenient spot in the forest, near Woodlands, well concealed by thick
bushes and underwood, where we made a little encampment, pitching the
small tent and tethering the animals. The dogs, too, were tied up, lest
they should roam about, and betray our presence.
We found the cottage quite quiet and deserted; and I lost no time in
preparing for the reception of visitors, hoping to be all ready for
them, and out of sight before they arrived.
We drove the stakes lightly into the ground, so as to form an
irregular paling round the house, winding string in and out in all
directions between them, thus making a kind of labyrinth, through which
it would be impossible to pass without touching either the stakes or
the cords.
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