THE CHASE 167 



hour of its close ; but the hare's good fortune 

 had temporarily forsaken him and his time 

 come to stand before the pack. 



Black though the night was, had the hare 

 been as alert as usual, he could hardly have 

 failed to discern at least the ghostly forms 

 of the white members of the band in time 

 to secure a long start and perhaps get clean 

 away. Immunity from molestation in the moor 

 explains the poor look-out he kept. His lack 

 of vigilance was to cost him dear, inasmuch 

 as he succeeded in arresting his steps only just 

 in time to avoid running into the pack as it 

 showed above the slight rise that for a few 

 seconds had effectually concealed it from view. 



At sight of them he turned and fled, and 

 though more frightened than ever before, did 

 the best thing possible ; he made straight for the 

 pool, for he hoped by placing the wide water 

 between him and his pursuers to disconcert 

 them and put an end to the chase. 



The stoats followed, forging ahead at their 

 utmost pace, except when they checked their 

 steps and stood still to look about them as is 

 their wont ; why, it Is Impossible to say, but 

 certainly not to give "law" to the quarry. So 

 several seconds ahead of them, the hare reached 

 the pool midway between the islet and the 



