SENTRY OF THE SEDGE FLATS 61 



him down again irresistibly. As he sank back 

 the mink clambered out upon the shore and 

 crouched straight in'front of him, just a little 

 beyond the reach of his stroke. 



The mink was now a picture of battle fury, 

 every muscle quivering, blood pulsing from 

 his gashes, his white teeth showing in a sound- 

 less snarl, his eyes seeming to throb with 

 crimson fire. The heron, on the other hand, 

 seemed absolutely composed. His head, 

 immobile, alert, in perfect readiness, was 

 drawn back between his shoulders. His eyes 

 were as wide, and fixed, and clear, and 

 glassily staring, as the jewelled eyes of an 

 idol. 



For some seconds the mink crouched, as if 

 trying to stare his adversary out of counten- 

 ance. Then he launched himself straight at 

 the bird's back. The movement had all the 

 impetuosity of a genuine attack, but with 

 marvellous control it was checked on the 

 instant. It had been enough, however, to 

 draw the heron's counter-stroke, which fell 

 just short of its object. With the bird's 

 recovery the mink shot in to close quarters. 

 He received a second blow, which laid open 

 the side of his face, but it was a short stroke, 

 with not enough force behind it to repulse 

 him. Ignoring it, he closed, fixed his teeth 



