Page:They who walk in the wilds, (IA theywhowalkinwil00robe).pdf/23

 was his without a struggle, without so much as a squeak. Filled with elation at this easy success, he made the sweetest meal of his life.

As soon as his hunger was satisfied, a great homesickness and longing for his master came over him. But this, of course, could not be allowed to interfere with his toilet. He licked his jaws and his paws scrupulously, washed his face and scratched his ears like a domestic cat, then crept into the heart of the nearest thicket, curled himself up on the dry, aromatic spruce-needles and went to sleep. It was the first real, refreshing sleep he had enjoyed since leaving the ranch.

The sun was high when Mishi awoke, opening puzzled eyes upon a world entirely novel to him. Interspersed among the dark green fir trees stood a few scattered maples glowing crimson and scarlet in their autumn bravery. These patches of radiant color held Mishi's wandering attention for some moments till his thoughts turned to the more important question of breakfast. Instantly his whole manner and expression changed. He crouched with tense muscles; his eyes flamed and narrowed; his long white teeth showed themselves; and he began to creep noiselessly through the undergrowth, fully expecting another rabbit to come hopping into his path without delay. When this did not happen, he grew angry. He had never