86 Next to the Ground 



In general, straying was not so easy. Hogs 

 of different pastures might range the woods to- 

 gether, feeding and grunting amicably, even 

 seeming to gossip, in cheerful piggish fashion, 

 yet when they took the path home, woe to 

 him who tried to go except where he belonged. 

 At night the going was in single file, one trot- 

 ting right on the heels of another, and all 

 squealing as they went. At morning, in an- 

 swer to the call, there was a rush pell mell as 

 fast as they could leg it, tumbling and squeal- 

 ing hungrily all the way. Either at night or 

 morning a stray had to fight for his place. If 

 he conquered a place then and there, all welL 

 If not, he had to lag a long way behind, hang 

 hungrily about, and endure the pangs of Tan- 

 talus until his enemies were too busy eating 

 to have a thought for him. 



Still, there were exceptions. In every drove, 

 there are now and then individuals who de- 

 light to entice in outlanders. Sometimes they 

 choose fine, fat, well-appearing, young hogs, 

 very well worth stealing. Oftener choice falls 

 upon a leggy, slouchy animal, with long coarse 

 bristles, and a very keen nose. All day long 

 the enticer ranges and roots beside him, rub- 

 bing shoulders with him, putting nose to nose, 

 and sniffing amicably, scratching him behind 

 the forearm, and, when he wallows, along the 

 backbone. Then when it is time to go home. 



