3 



in the stream before me. A minute later another 

 came in sight from downstream. All circled 

 about, swimming cautiously with heads held low 

 in the water. One scented the place where the 

 coyote had attacked Diver, and waddled out and 

 made a sniffing examination. Another came 

 ashore at the spot where Diver came out to me. 

 Apparently his eyes told him I was a part of the 

 log, but his nose proclaimed danger. After three 

 or four hesitating and ineffectual attempts to re- 

 treat, he plucked up courage and rose to full 

 height on hind legs and tail to stare eagerly at 

 me. With head well up and fore paws drooping, 

 he held the gaze for several seconds and then 

 gave a low whistle. 



At this, Diver came forth from behind my 

 coat to see what was going on. The old one 

 started forward to meet him, but on having a 

 good look at me whirled and made a jumping 

 dive into the water, whacking the surface with 

 his tail as he disappeared. Instantly there fol- 

 lowed two or more splashes and a number of 

 tail-whacks upon the water, as though a beaver 

 rescue party were beating a retreat. 



24 



