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98 the otter rose, shook his head, rested until his pursuers were within a few yards of him, and dived, showing his back and rudder. 'Takin' things quietly, are 'ee?' said the harbourer in high glee; and then, presently, on observing the hounds lick up the scent as they swam, 'They're tonguing the ream brave.' Scarcely were the words out of his mouth, when up came the otter within a few yards of him. The excited 'Tally-ho!' with which he greeted him made the welkin ring.

The squire would always have it that he heard the penetrating scream; but however that may be, it was a good half-hour before he appeared on the summit, and by that time the otter had given the pack the slip and set the harbourer wondering what had become of it. He was amongst the reeds and hidden by the rocks when the squire came up near the overflow, but his cries, as he cheered the pack, betrayed his whereabouts, and presently the squire hailed him across the tarn: 'Have you viewed the otter, my man? 'Iss, sir, over and over again, but he's creapt away somewheere out of mark.' The hounds raised their heads on hearing their master's voice, and when he sang out, 'Seek him, my lads! wind him, my lads!' they bustled