MARTENS, POLECATS, WEASELS, STOATS 185 



listens attentively for the slightest sound of any 

 living creature. Snow, the forerunner of winter, has 

 sprinkled the ground, and he knows that rabbits are 

 likely to find their way to these open spots between 

 the tangled limbs of the fallen trees. A gurgling 

 cackle comes to his ears through the clear night air 

 another unearthly solo, and again a bark. It does 

 not disturb him, for he has heard it many times 

 before. The cry of the eagle-owl it is, before that 

 hunter starts on the wing. The marten watches 

 most intently, for he expects to see the owl come 

 near where he is watching. His surmises are right 

 for here the bird comes, rising and falling on his 

 grand pinions, now gliding one way, then with the 

 next movement falling almost to the ground. He 

 seems now lost to view, but the marten does not 

 move from his seat ; he seems to listen more intently 

 than before. Again that goblin solo and the bark 

 are heard, and after that another sound a scuffling 

 rustle which moves him. He is down the limb and 

 on the trunk in an instant, his body crouched and 

 his sharp eyes peering out to catch a glimpse of a 

 possible supper. 



Two rabbits come dotting into one of the open 

 spaces between the limbs. The marten could easily 

 make his way nearer to them ; but that is not his 



