50 THE LIFE OF A FOX.

where the hounds have left us. I have done this
for a short time, when the coverts and country
to which I belonged have been much disturbed
by the hounds; but invariably returned the
same night. Now the hound has enough to do
when hunting us, without taking notice of the
country which he passes over; and we must not
assume to ourselves greater sagacity than belongs
to him, for I believe that we are but varieties of
the same kind. I observe amongst our party one
who may have something to say upon that subject
presently.

I underwent another severe day’s work in the
same country with another pack of hounds. In
consequence of finding plenty of rabbits in a
covert near the Waterloo Inn, I remained there
for some time, and my peace was undisturbed,
until I was roused one morning by the strange
but fine voice of Mr. King’s huntsman, Squire.
After running round the covert a few times, I
found that his quick pack were not to be trifled
with ; I, therefore, went straight away in the

direction of Sussex. They still pressed me on