AT THE OUTSET. . 9 



hear him through, though why all this mystery on his 

 part, is to this day a mystery to me. 



"Nobody knows, I guess," Miles continued, "for 

 they're in a mean quicksandy tangle in the three-corner 

 meadow. All snug in a hollow tree, and all briers and 

 stuff about. 'Spose we're in for a hunt ; go along ?" 



"Please tell me, first, what are in the hollow tree?" 

 I replied. 



"Why, a couple of big 'coons. I just got a glimpse 

 of one, but I know there's two of 'em." 



" How do you know ?" I asked. 



" Can't say ; but I know it, and I'm in for a hunt 

 to-night; so can't you go?" Miles asked, somewhat im- 

 patiently. 



" If you know where they are, it won't be much of a 

 hunt. Miles, for you've simply to go to the tree and 

 take them out, provided they don't give you the slip. 

 Where will the fun come in, such a cold night as this 

 will be?" 



" All right, if you don't want to go ; I can get 'em 

 alone, I guess. I wouldn't have hurried over here, but 

 I thought you would like the fun ;" and he turned about 

 with a look of mingled disappointment and disgust. 

 Seeing this, after a moment's reflection I concluded to 

 go, and called to him to that effect. 



He turned about, but did not approach, and said, " All 

 right, and, as my house is nearer than yours to the mead- 

 ow, come down by eight o'clock. Put on boots, and, 

 if the clouds threaten, whistle to 'em on your way over 

 to keep off the moon ;" and again Miles started for his 

 home, walking with a brisker step than when he came, 



1* 



