152 A RUSE 



looks like a vast table amidst the furze, and 

 finally into the furze itself, into which he flung 

 himself just in the nick of time, the bushes clos- 

 ing over him as Grey Fox appeared on the apex 

 of the Beacon. 



With swift glances Reynard swept the hillside, 

 but not a spray stirred to mark the line along 

 which their escaping prey was stealing towards 

 the foot of the hill ; forthwith he and his mate, 

 who had now come up, stooped again to the scent 

 with the object of following the trail. But the 

 hare had succeeded in foiling his line ; they 

 immediately discovered the hopelessness of the 

 task, and both returned to the high rock conscious 

 that their only chance lay in sighting the hare as 

 he left the hill. 



Their movements had been as quick as 

 lightning, so quick that not more than ten 

 seconds had passed since Grey Fox gained the 

 Beacon. How his flanks heaved, how quick the 

 breath came from him, yet despite distress of 

 lung and agony of lacerated pads that stained 

 the snow with blood, his one thought was for 

 the game ; he did not waste a glance on the 

 lanterns ^ illuminating the church tower, he 

 was deaf to the carol-singers, all his senses were 



^ It was formerly the custom to illuminate the church towers 

 on Christmas Day. 



