A BLOODLESS HUNT 135 



one of the earths ; out bolts a well-grown rabbit, which, 

 looking neither to right nor left, races across the springy 

 turf at top speed, heading for a neighbouring copse, from 

 which comes, ever and anon, the brave challenge of a cock 

 pheasant. 



The cruel, snake-like head and long, lissom, and sinuate 

 body of the stoat emerges from the bury a few moments 

 after the exit of the rabbit, and although one would imag- 

 ine that the fierce sun-rays had evaporated every drop of 

 moisture from the ground and herbage, and thereby 

 destroyed every vestige of what is known to sportsmen as 

 scent, the keen-nosed, bloodthirsty little tyrant seems to 

 " carry " the " line " of his quarry with just as much 

 ease and certainty as a well-entered and steady hound 

 will hunt a fox to its death on a breast-high scenting 

 morning. At the appearance of the stoat a great stamping 

 of feet takes place among the scared colony of cottontails, 

 followed by a wonderful display of snow-white scutts, 

 as a general exodus below ground again takes place. 



Both pursuer and pursued are by this time hidden 

 from view by the high fence which encloses the copse. In 

 the ordinary course of nature, however, we shall see more 

 of the hunt, as a rabbit, when chased by dog, fox, stoat, 

 or any other four-footed enemy, almost invariably runs 

 in a circle. Therefore, if the unfortunate little denizen of 

 the neighbouring warren is possessed of sufficient stamina 

 and pluck to travel so far, he will assuredly come within 

 view of our shady retreat once more. In such case we 

 will do our best to preserve his life by whipping off his 

 merciless enemy. 



But hark ! The sharp report of a gun rings out from the 

 wood. The head keeper is on the prowl for vermin, and, 



