But as Redcoat scurried down the deep cut, the din of the oncoming train behind him grew at an alarming rate. Redcoat put forth his utmost strength and ran belly to earth. He had never run from the hounds like this. But, do what he would the roaring came nearer and nearer, and presently the thunderer again emitted that terrible shriek, which echoed from hill top to hill top. To the fleeing fox it was like the crack of doom. Presently the rails beneath Redcoat's flying feet were clicking and he knew the mighty monster was close upon him.
But, just at that moment when a terrible death had almost clutched him, the frantic fox espied a little cleft in the rock three or four feet from the ground. If he could only reach it and spring upon it perhaps the thunderer would pass by and not destroy him. So, he put every ounce of his remaining strength into the effort. A dozen frantic jumps brought him to this one chance of escape. He sprang, but his forepaws held for a moment on the ledge, then slipped off and he fell back upon the track. Once
