THE BOOK OF THE OTTER 



an experienced hunter without being taUied, 

 particularly if it is moving close to the farther 

 bank. The angle at which the light falls on the 

 water often makes it extremely difficult to detect 

 an otter as it passes. After being hunted for some 

 length of time, the otter shows himself more and 

 more frequently. He may vary the water work 

 by making an excursion overland, or running the 

 length of a nearby wood. Perhaps he takes 

 refuge in a holt, and is then bolted by the terriers. 

 Anyway, if things go right, the time comes when 

 he can do no more, and he dies fighting on the 

 shallows, leaving his mark on nearly every hound. 

 The huntsman at last gets the pack to leave him, 

 not using a whip, but pushing hounds off with 

 knees, hands, and pole, after which he slips the 

 carcass under water for a minute or two until he 

 recovers his wind, and then carries it ashore. 

 There it is weighed, mask, pole, and pads are 

 severed, the carcass is slit up, and tossed to the 

 eagerly expectant pack. " Hi, worry, worry, 

 worry," " Who-whoop ! tear him and eat him." 



102 



