XLIX.—A Rabbit Chase 



THIS morning after the chores were done I 

 decided that I should take a look at the 

 young orchard to see that mice and rabbits 

 were not damaging the little trees. The 

 sun was shining, and as most of the snow disap- 

 peared in the recent thaw it was the best day for a 

 ramble that we have had since winter began. And 

 I am glad that I went, for I not only enjoyed the 

 fresh air but had a few minutes of excitement that 

 started the blood coursing in my veins. Sheppy de- 

 cided that he would like a ramble too, and thereby 

 hangs a tale. While I was examining the trees he 

 made little excursions about the field nosing for 

 mice. While I was rejoicing that there were none 

 for him to find and because there were no rabbit 

 tracks I almost stepped on a little cotton-tail that 

 had a form in a bunch of wild grass that was shaded 

 by a big weed. The rabbit popped out, and at the 

 same instant I yelled, "Sic him!" Sheppy was a few 

 rods away, but when he saw the game he let out 



189 



