Page:Redcoat (1927).djvu/173

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first, only it was more spectacular and more inexplicable to hounds and men.

For several days after this first narrow escape from the hunters, Redcoat kept to his mountain. When he finally did venture forth, it was to go to the south. Long experience had taught him that the hunters did not as often try the country south of the mountain. The men and dogs had combed the region to the north and west of the mountain for six days without starting the Phantom Fox, although they had started two or three other foxes and secured one brush. But they had their hearts set on securing the wonder fox, so kept right on trying.

Just a week from the day of the first great run, Redcoat again got the wanderlust and went to the farming district south of the mountain. There was often very tasty refuse thrown out from the farmhouses at this time of the year. For men were eating chickens and what they left was often a good meal for a hungry fox.