In the Hunter's Moon 279 



One hunt that we had I shall never forget. 

 Thoughts of it even now make my hair rise on 

 my head, for it was only old Ben's wonderful 

 alertness and presence of mind that saved me 

 a terrible scratching from a bobcat. 



On the particular night to which I refer we 

 had a varied experience, and one that filled 

 the evening with thrills enough to satisfy even 

 the mind of a boy. 



First, the dogs took a fresh trail at the edge 

 of my father's cornfield, and went off at a 

 brisk pace. They soon holed the coon in 

 those same ledges that had given us so much 

 trouble, and we had to try again. 



After keeping the dogs upon a leash for an 

 hour and not starting another raccoon we let 

 them go, and they were presently barking 

 briskly in a deep swamp. 



Soon we heard some large animal coming 

 rapidly towards us, and were all excitement. 



" That is no coon, Harry," said Ben under 

 his breath. " Keep your eyes open, boy." 



Ben cocked his rifle, and stood listening 

 and watching. I strained my eyes in the 



