HUNTED DOWN. 41 



with her efforts to escape, and faint from the deadly wound, she struggles on, if only 

 perchance she may reach a place of safety. And now she can go no farther, and 

 by the side of a slender stalk, that of itself can give no protection, she has drawn 

 herself up, and with her long ears laid upon her back remains exposed to all the 

 severity of the approaching winter's night. Alas ! poor pussy, not even there can 

 you be left at peace; for the scavengers of the air have already found you out, 

 and with wonderful instinct have discovered your failing strength, and come swiftly, 

 with many a boding croak, to sweep over your crouching form. Well they know 

 that soon your bright eye will grow dim, and undeterred by even any semblance 

 of life, they may work their will upon that which was only lately so replete with 

 vigour, and graceful activity. Yes, you start ! for their funereal wings almost touch 

 you as they brush closely by, as if the ill-omened birds could not restrain their im- 

 patience, nor wait until that gentle head should sink upon the snow. The wind as 

 it rushes by soughs through the branches, singing a requiem, and with a rough kindli- 

 ness tosses the feathery flakes around, as if it would shield the drooping animal in 

 an unsullied shroud ; then, as the darkening night drives the winged enemies to 

 seek their own shelter, the blast, more friendly than any of the poor thing's fellow 

 creatures, will hide the lifeless form in a pure white covering, that the rising sun 

 shall cause to glow in his flashing rays. 



