CHAPTER VI. 



ESIDES the chalk-pits I have mentioned, during 

 the Spring and Summer months I turned my eyes 

 towards the river Kennet, in which I caught some 

 trout; these I cooked over a fire made in some 

 secluded spot. The betraying smoke was a constant 

 source of danger to me as it was to Cooper's Indians, 

 although, after I had set fire to a heap of sticks, I 

 strolled away until the bright embers alone remained. I got caught 

 at last, however, for as time went on, I neglected precautions to 

 avoid surprise, but when the detectives appeared upon the scene my 

 meal was over, and they only saw the fish bones strewn about. Of 

 course the master called me to his desk next day, and duly punished 

 me ; entering my crime, as one of lighting a fire out of bounds in 

 order to fry red herrings. 



The keepers were always on the watch ; but they never caught 

 me, although I had a narrow escape one day, when a man surprised 

 me in a cul-de-sac, bounded by some park-railings, but I dashed my 

 foot against a rail, which luckily gave way and let nie through, 

 though not the burly keeper. This man vowed vengeance on my 

 head, eyes and limbs, whilst loudly lamenting my depredations, and 

 an audience would occasionally gather round, condoling with him, 

 and tendering advice how to circumvent me. One perhaps would 



