STUBBS THE BADGER 215 
Kinchella had been drinking, and his eyes were hot 
and angry. He dealt his dog an unaccustomed kick, 
and urged him savagely towards the barrel. Moss 
rose, hurt and puzzled ; then catching sight of 
Stubbs, he instantly associated him with the out- 
rage, and flew at his throat. The badger snapped ^-.w 
back again, and they grappled together. In many 
respects they were evenly matched, for although 
the dog was the larger and more active of the two, 
the badger was heavy, and furthermore was pro- 
tected by the barrel. However, Moss was too clever 
to be rash. He knew the power of Stubbs' paw, so 
he circled round just out of reach, endeavouring to 
tempt his opponent into the open that he might 
take him in the flank. But the badger was also 
very wary. He knew the strength of his position, 
and refused to budge. These feinting tactics went 
on for some minutes, and then the men began to 
jeer : ' He should have him cot by now ' . . . 
' Indeed, he is a great lad on his pins ' . . . ' Not so 
handy wid his teeth ' . . . 
' Damn it,' shouted Kinchella, ' what chance 
has the dog wid ye dirthy barrels ? ' And striding 
forward, in his drunken rage he tipped up the cask, 
and tumbled the badger into the open yard, just 
as the dog rushed in. 
They met in a smother of dust, and whirled 
