CHASE OF THE SALMON 75 



that it seemed she must fasten before it could 

 become aware of her presence. But the fish had 

 been harried by otters on its way up from the 

 estuary, and was prepared for her coming. In a 

 flash he was off downstream, leaving the otter 

 far in his wake. At the tail of the pool he 

 swung round, raising a big wave that greatly 

 excited the cubs where they watched on the 

 edge of the bank. After a short interval the 

 wave came again, and again, and again. Later 

 the salmon leapt clear of the white water near 

 the fall. And so the chase continued, until the 

 otter, seeing how vain were her unaided efforts, 

 summoned the cubs to her assistance. In an 

 instant they slipped into the pool and joined in 

 the pursuit. 



Now wherever the salmon turns an otter meets 

 him. Conscious of the danger he is in, he rushes 

 at the shallows in a daring attempt to reach the 

 waters below. His three enemies hurry after 

 him, breaking the surface in their desperate haste, 

 and while he is still floundering the otter closes 

 and strives to grip him beneath the gills. No 

 defence has he but his slippery scales and the 

 lashing tail that sweeps his foes aside. But these 

 avail, and before the teeth fasten in him he 

 struggles through to the deep water beyond, 



10—2 



