102 TERRIBLE ENCOUNTER. CHAP. vi. 



perfect as if still in Nature's hands. Thus he managed 

 to secure a number of first-rate specimens amongst 

 others, the Oak Egger moth, the Wood-Tiger moth, the 

 Cream-spot Tiger moth, the Bee-Hawk moth, the beau- 

 tiful China-mark, the Green Silver-line, and many 

 other specimens. He hoped to secure more ; but in 

 the midst of his operations he was interrupted by the 

 approach of an extraordinary-looking creature. 



He was stepping slowly and watchfully along his 

 beat, crooning to himself, "There's nae luck aboot 

 the house," when, looking along the narrow footpath, 

 he observed something very large, and tremendously 

 long, coming towards him. He suddenly stopped his 

 crooning and came to a stand-still. What could the 

 hideous-looking monster be? He could not see it 

 clearly, for it had become dark, and the moon was not 

 yet up. Yet there it was, drawing slowly towards him. 

 He was totally unarmed. He had neither his gun nor 

 even his gully knife with him. Fear whispered, "Fly ! 

 fly for your life !" but courage shouted, " No ! no ! 

 stand like a man and a true naturalist, and see the 

 worst and the best of it !" So he stood his ground. 



At length the animal gradually approached him. 

 He now observed that it consisted of three large and 

 full-grown badgers, each a short distance behind the 

 other, the foremost being only about sixteen yards 

 from where he stood. He had for some time been on 

 the look-out for a badger to add to his collection,- and 

 now he hoped to be able to secure one. He rushed 



