THE LIFE AND DEATH OF LUCY 141 
night, and fought two dogs this morning, all for 
those kittens. Let one of ’em live, I say.” ° 
The other man shrugged his shoulders. ‘“‘ It’s 
your land,” he said. ‘“ But they’re bad animals, 
and five dollars is 5 
“The skin’ll be worth more next winter, when 
the cat’s growed,” Parmalee soothed him. 
“ Better take your pups home now and patch 
’em up.” 
Parmalee picked up the two dead kittens, 
stroking their warm fur with his hand. The 
hunter slung Lucy over his shoulder. 
“Twenty-eight pounds, if she’s an ounce,” he 
said. 
The dogs, with their bleeding muzzles, sniffed 
at her limply dangling tail as they all descended 
the pasture. 
