52 LIFE OF AUDUBON. 



another stuck to his side, but soon taking a better-directed bite 

 of his muzzle, the coon's fate was sealed. He was knocked on 

 the head, and Toby remarks, ' That's another half dollar's worth,' 

 as he handles the thick far of the prey. The dogs are again 

 found looking up into a tree and barking furiously. The 

 hunters employ their axes, and send the chips about. 



" The tree began to crack, and slowly leaning to one side, the 

 heavy mass swung rustling through the air, and fell to the earth 

 with a crash. It was not one coon that was surprised here, but 

 three, one of which, more crafty than the rest, leaped from the 

 top while the tree was staggering. The other two stuck to the 

 hoUow of a branch, from which they were soon driven by one of 

 the dogs. Tyke and Lion having nosed the cunning old one, 

 scampered after him. He is brought to bay, and a rifle bullet 

 is sent through his head. The other two are secured after a 

 desperate conflict, and the hunters, with their bags full, return 

 to the cabin." 



