He was
only twenty yards away from the refuge where the girls were concealed.
It was not long before Paul came. He was quite alone, and suddenly
appeared at the far end of the clearing, in very truth a mighty hunter,
standing nearly seven feet on his snow-shoes. One rifle he carried in
his hand, another slung across his back. It was like a silent scene on a
stage. The snow-white clearing, with long-drawn tracks across it where
the snow-shoes had passed, the still trees, the brilliant sun, and the
blue depths of the forest behind; while Paul, like the hero of some grim
Arctic saga, a huge fur-clad Northern giant, stood alone in the
desolation.
From his attitude it was apparent that he was listening. It was probable
that the cries of the birds and the distant howl of a wolf told his
practised ears how near the beaters were. He presently moved across to
where De Chauxville was hidden, spoke some words of advice or warning to
him, and pointed with his gloved hand in the direction whence the game
might be expected to come.
It subsequently transpired that Paul was asking De Chauxville the
whereabouts of Steinmetz, who had gained his place of concealment
unobserved by either. De Chauxville could give him no information, and
Paul went away to his post dissatisfied. Karl Steinmetz must have seen
them; he must have divined the subject of their conversation; but he
remained hidden and gave no sign.
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