AN OCTOBER DIARY. 867 



were lieard were readily distinguishable from the noise 

 made by wind-tossed leaves or the creaking of rubbing 

 branches. Indeed, the hearing becomes much more 

 acute under such circumstances, and one can more readi- 

 ly realize the perfection of the sense in many animals. 

 It approaches much more nearly to the value of sight 

 than one would suppose. But I was soon subjected to 

 another testing of my nerves. Moved by curiosity, a 

 pretty white-footed mouse — I suppose — nibbled at my 

 boot, then perched upon my toes, and finally proceeded 

 to crawl up my leg. A very slight movement sent him 

 back, but not very far, for soon it ran again up to my 

 lap, and as I moved my hand to touch it, gave a wild 

 squeak and was gone. 



By this time I was becoming a little more used to my 

 situation, and honestly longed for another episode. I 

 liad not long to wait. Again I heard approaching foot- 

 steps. I thought of the skunks ; but no, it was too firm a 

 step. "Was it some benighted tramp ? This was an an- 

 imal I did not wish to meet. Leaning forward to catch 

 the full volume of the sound, I was sure it was the 

 shuffling tread of a four-footed beast. This brought a 

 feeling of relief, and, after all, it was but one chance in a 

 hundred if it came directly to where I sat. I had full 

 faith in the ninety-and-nine chances in favor of its pass- 

 ing me. But it was now very near. I was beginning 

 to think a dozen things at once, and forgot, for the mo- 

 ment, about the lantern. The steps are at my very side. I 

 can feel the animal's breath in my face, and, most un- 

 fortunately, the last step of the passing creature over- 

 turned my lantern. Again a provoking flash of light, 



