THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 157 



might have added," said Trimbush. " For 

 when a fox sinks, not only his physical 

 strength is expended, but his mental powers 

 die with it. He is in such a mortal fright, 

 that he cannot think; but like a blown chicken, 

 pokes his head into the first hiding place 

 which presents itself." 



As we were trotting quietly homewards, 

 as proud as peacocks, I saw Trimbush tip 

 Rubicon over the nose with his stern, and drew 

 him from the body on one side of the road. 



" Be candid," said he, in a half whisper. 

 *' How was it that you made the fox out in 

 that beastly manure ? ' ' 



" I winded him," rejoined Rubicon, with 

 a sly grin. 



" Pshaw! " replied the old hound. " It 

 was impossible." 



" Well, well! " interrupted Rubicon, " I 

 admit it. The fact is I jumped on the heap 

 for a very different purpose, and as I did so, 

 I felt something move under my feet. A 

 thought struck me ' ' 



"As it did me," interrupted Trimbush, 

 *' before commencing your explanation. We 

 owe the kill to chance." 



