12 REDPAD THE FOX 
rats and mice to be had. Vix took Redpad down 
to Kilree Bog, where there are deep ditches choked 
with furze and bramble, and banks tunnelled 
through by burrows. Sometimes the}'' went rat 
hunting by Paddy Magragh's farmstead at moon- 
rise ; but this was dangerous country, for in 
the yard dwelt a certain long-legged yellow dog 
with a keen nose and ready tongue. 
September came, and in the fine warm weather 
the foxes spent most of their time above ground. 
Golden ragweed blazed in all the fields, and the 
swallows began to assemble for their journey south. 
Yellow sprays appeared among the dark leaves 
of the beeches, and Redpad attained proportions 
more in keeping with the size of his head. His 
white tagged brush was his great pride, his coat 
was shining with health, and he was remarkable 
for his forepads, which were many shades lighter 
than those of his mother ; in fact, they were not 
black at all, but deep bay hence his name. Not 
until he was full grown did his mother teach him 
how to hunt that swiftest and wariest of game 
the hare. The stoat and the cat claim equal rights 
with the fox over rabbit, squirrel, and rat, but only 
the fox is strong enough to pull down the grown 
hare. 
One hot dark night the foxes awoke just 
