THE CHIPMUNK 155 



ably as a last resort it would again have let go 

 its hold and fallen to the ground, where it 

 might have eluded its enemy a while longer. 



In the course of five or six minutes, the 

 weasel gave over the search, and ran hurriedly 

 down the tree to the ground. 



The chipmunk remained motionless for a long 

 time; then he stirred a little as if hope was ret 

 viving. Then he looked nervously about him ; 

 then he had recovered himself so far as to 

 change his position. 



Presently he began to move cautiously along 

 the branch to the bole of the tree ; then, after 

 a few moments' delay, he plucked up courage 

 to descend to the ground, where I hope no 

 weasel has disturbed him since. 



