136 MELTON AND HOMESPUN 



judging by the direction whence the shot came, 'tis even 

 betting on the death of Master Stoat from an overdose of 

 " No. 6 chilled." 



Ah ! Here comes the hunted rabbit, running somewhat 

 slower than when he started on his race for life, it is true, 

 but still going fairly strong. The frightened creature 

 does not, as might be expected, make tracks for the 

 warren, but, apparently heedless of our presence, he heads 

 straight for the tree under which we are seated. 



On and still on he comes until within a dozen yards of 

 us. Then he comes to a dead stop, squats fiat, and com- 

 mences to shriek in a piteous manner. 



" Steady, Jet ! — 'Ware chase, Chloe ! " The dogs, 

 probably believing the rabbit to be wounded, set off to 

 retrieve it, and without doubt they might do so, for the 

 poor little creature, paralysed with fear, is awaiting its 

 death-blow from the stoat, which it beheves to be close 

 behind. 



But the stoat comes not ; a timely shot from the game- 

 keeper's gun has doubtless put an end to his marauding 

 for ever. 



Jet and Chloe steal sheepishly to heel, looking thoroughly 

 ashamed of themselves, and the rabbit, having regained 

 sufficient strength and courage to use his legs, returns to 

 the heart of his family. 



