Page:Redcoat (1927).djvu/150

 green became yellow or brown, and only the great meadows kept their verdure, and dust was everywhere. The corn and onion fields were simply so many acres of dust which rose in air at the slightest puff of the wind. When the wind blew strong, as it often did across the broad meadows, the dust came shifting along the mountainside almost like a snow storm. Each morning the sun arose in a yellow haze and set in a pool of blood. It was a Spring when old weather prophets shook their heads and looked doubtful. All the wild creatures felt it, even as the men did. Ring Tail, the racoon, who is usually a clever fellow became very morose. Whenever Redcoat passed him he growled and showed his teeth. White Weasel became so thirsty for blood that he rushed at Redcoat one day and only ceased his bloodthirsty attack when Redcoat killed him. A muskrat strayed far up the mountainside away from his friendly creek and finally went mad. Redcoat had often killed muskrats for food, but this one he had to kill in self-defense.