76 THE LIFE STORY OF AN OTTER 



where he easily outdistances his pursuers. Pool 

 after pool he passes at his utmost speed, making 

 for a refuge that lies near the foot of the rapids. 

 He had rested in it on his way up the river, and 

 now swings into it and stays there gasping, in 

 dread of discovery. The otters soon show on the 

 top of the rushing waters, which they search as 

 they descend, ducking their heads, and yet avoid- 

 ing the rocks against which the current threatens 

 to dash them. In a few seconds they are close to 

 the spot where the fish lies exhausted, and surely 

 one or other will get a glimpse of him. But no, 

 the sheltering rock befriends him, or the foaming 

 waters amidst which he lies. The hunters pass 

 on; but he is not safe yet. If they draw the 

 rapids against the stream they can hardly miss 

 him. But will they ? Apparently not — at least, 

 not for the moment. They are going on, despite 

 the near approach of day. How carefully they 

 examine the hollow banks and recesses of the 

 boulders, disdaining even the grilse they disturb, 

 in their expectation of yet getting the salmon ! 

 Beneath the gloomy pines that form a vista 

 towards the brightening east they swim, eager as 

 ever. 



But, clear of the trees, they all at once 

 cease their quest and listen. Some suspicious 



