THE HEDGEHOG A GAME EATER. 141 



I was determined to humour the old man, 

 more especially as his knowledge of all animals 

 and woodcraft was profound. A bed of pretty 

 moist clay was put in front of the coop at some 

 little distance from it, and in fact all around. 

 The next morning, at four o'clock, the birds 

 were fed, and let out. There were thirteen, 

 but at eight there were only twelve. Kaille 

 and Charles were called to the spot. 



" I thought so," said the old man, after having 

 examined the clay. " Charles, where besest 

 the price of the quart ? Look at thick there, 

 measter." 



He was right, for there was the print of a 

 hedgehog's toe and foot pretty distinct ; still, 

 Charles was not convinced, and, to be candid, 

 neither was I. 



" Well, I tell ee what it is, rneaster," he said, 

 " if ee likes to lose one more of thick there birds, 

 I'll prove it to ee. Just get up to-morrow, and 

 judge for yurself." 



The morrow came, and we were up betimes, 

 the birds were let out, and fed ; there were 

 twelve. 



" Now, measter, I've ar made some seats fur 



