XXXVII 



THE RED SQUIRREL 



A HAWK, flashing the old gold of his 

 pinions in the face of the sun, flings 

 down a shrill, husky cry of intense 

 scorn ; a jay scolds like a shrew ; from 

 his safe isolation in the midwater, a loon 

 taunts you and the awakening winds 

 with his wild laughter ; there is a jeer in 

 the chuckling diminuendo of the wood- 

 chuck's whistle, a taunt in the fox's 

 gasping bark as he scurries unseen be- 

 hind the veil of night ; and a scoff on 

 hunters and hounds and cornfield owners 

 is flung out through the gloaming in 

 the raccoon's quavering cry. But of all 

 the wild world's inhabitants, feathered or 

 furred, none outdo the saucy red squirrel 

 in taunts, gibes, and mockery of their 

 common enemy. 



He is inspired with derision that is 

 expressed in every tone and gesture. 

 His agile form is vibrant -with it when 

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