43 



The prize was not to be given up, after so great toil to 

 obtain it. 



The selected retreat was at least two miles from any 

 human habitation. 



Some of the worthy rustic's, who had increased our 

 numbers to upwards of twenty -five horsemen, volunteer- 

 ed to proceed after the mining tools. 



In the mean time, the pocket pistols were uncased, and 

 the hunting cavalcade refreshed, with the contents and the 

 more acceptable and exquisite beverage, on the fatiguing 

 occasion, of good wholesome spring water, from a forest 

 rivulet in the vicinity. This occasion also aftbrded re- 

 freshment to our wearied horses and the faithful perseve- 

 ring pack. 



After felling a tree or two, in the way of our opera- 

 tions, and laboring up hill, occasionally to the right and 

 left oblique, according to the ordinary devious subterra- 

 nean passages of Reynard, we arrived at the last turn, 

 exhibiting a comfortable leaf carpeted cavern chamber, 

 where she appeared with gleaming eyes and threatening 

 aspect, prepared to defend herself and tender young from 

 any intrusion. 



We all worked alternately for nearly two hours and 

 consequently were pretty tired; after eff'ecting an excava- 

 ting traverse of about twenty yards obliged to overcome 

 the stubborn obstacles of trees, roots and stones. 



No dog was small enough to enter. Our whipper-in 

 fertile in expedients on every emergency, cut a slender 



