Page:Redcoat (1927).djvu/114

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but more often Brown Buck was alone, for he was a rather morose animal, fond of his own company. When Redcoat first discovered him, he was in the pasture not far from the herd of cattle and the fox thought him one of the herd. But, when he started barking at the Buck as he had at the big bull, he discovered his mistake.

Brown Buck at first did not pay very much attention to the fox, but when the barking and teasing became too persistent he snorted and stamped and finally charged at the mischievous fellow.

Redcoat had no trouble in eluding the bull, but the Buck was a different proposition. He could spring a dozen feet at a bound, and his hoofs came down like piledrivers. Redcoat had to twist and turn and barely escaped being trampled, but he finally eluded his pursuer in a tangle of underbrush.

It was dangerous business, playing with this tall, agile animal, and Redcoat did not attempt it again for many days.

But, finally the spirit of mischief became