212 STUBBS THE BADGER 
not with sacking and rope, but by recognised 
methods. He struck out, scoring his assailant's 
shoulder, and then backed hastily into the barrel, 
until only his striped snout could be seen. A 
badger realises that his weakness lies in his lack of 
agility, and by preference he fights with his back 
to a tree, that he may not be taken in the rear. 
Three times the dog charged the barrel ; and each 
time, strong and vigilant, the badger drove him 
back, amid the shouts of the men and the yells of 
the surrounding dogs. For the fourth time the dog 
the blood trickling down his muzzle rushed in. 
His temper was up, he was utterly reckless, and 
he left his shoulder unguarded. Like lightning 
Stubbs' claws fell and under that stroke the dog's 
ribs were laid bare. His owner came forward and 
carried him out of the ring, and the next dog was 
brought out. 
Of the fight which Stubbs fought for the next 
hour I shall say little more, for it is neither good to 
read about nor to write of. It will be sufficient to 
say that of the five dogs which at last were set upon 
him at once, four bear scars to this day, and the fifth 
never moved again. Although Stubbs still crouched 
victoriously in the barrel, he had sustained three or 
four wounds. His eyes were red, for he was very 
angry, and he growled continuously ; but he was 
