Otter Hunting 39 



quently admonishing each one of us, if we 

 felt the otter against our legs, not to feel in 

 the least degree nervous, and on no account 

 to open our legs, as the otter would assuredly 

 slip through. We stood like martyrs in a 

 just cause, our nerves at extreme tension, 

 biting our lips, and each mentally resolving 

 that his legs should be eaten off piecemeal 

 before he would open them. Presently 

 our heroic mentor our guide, philosopher, 

 and friend gave a nervous, gurgling gasp, 

 exclaiming, " Ugh ! I feel the otter," at the 

 same time promptly opening his legs, which 

 the otter took advantage of and slipped 

 through. For a week after, at least, our 

 friend was the most silent and humble man 

 in the three kingdoms. 



Fortunately, notwithstanding this contre- 

 temps, the otter failed in his effort to reach 

 the main river, for a few yards further down, 

 as he vented, Charmer spots and nips him, 



