THE BADGER 



at a prodigious rate, or has already made his 

 escape by some secret stair. 



If, however, you are quick, terrier number 

 two has interrupted master badger as he 

 is at work and lets you know. "It's all 

 right," " Come on," " He's here," " I've 

 got him," "He's got me," "You beast," 

 " Get back," " I'll hold him," and spade 

 and shovel and pick are hard at work 

 again. Backs and arms are aching with lift- 

 ing at high pressure out of the deep trench. 

 You dig on, blocking the hole as the roof 

 falls in, but every now and then the shovels 

 clear it for a moment to give the dog air. 

 And now the game has shown itself. A 

 terrible charge down the hole sends out the 

 terrier ; and the badger, seeing the men at 

 work, backs again, followed by the dog. 

 Now all is excitement. Every snap, haunch, 

 grunt, groan, and yell in the fight is heard. 

 A favourite's life in the balance ! The prize 

 in view ! The other terriers are tugging 

 at their chains, frantic to join the fray, yelling 

 fit to split their throats. It is maddening 



for them to see the dust and commotion 



89 



