In the country, when a dog gives tongue Bunny sits up
and twirls his ears uneasily; then, even if the bark is heard from afar
off, the little brown beast darts underground. Alas! there is no
friendly burrow in this bleak field, and there is no chance of escape;
for the merry roughs will soon finish any rabbit that shows the dogs a
clean pair of heels.
The ceremony of weighing was completed in a dignified way, and the first
brace of dogs went to the slipper. One was a sprightly smooth terrier,
with a long, richly-marked head; he was quivering with anticipation, and
his demeanour offered a marked contrast to that of the dour, composed
brute pitted against him. The rabbit was lifted out of the hamper by one
of those greasy nondescript males, who are always to be seen when pigeon
shooting or coursing is going on. The greasy being held the rabbit by
the ears, and put it temptingly near the dogs. The sprightly terrier
went clean demented; the sullen one stood with thoughtful earnestness
waiting for a chance to catch the start.
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