“George, I think he has his eye on you for an extra course after the grouse,” laughed Ed. “Let’s give him a chase, just for fun.”
“Hold on a moment,” cautioned George, seriously, while he studied the unaccountable actions of the fox. “Do you know what I think is the matter?”
“No; what?”
“Well, I’m quite sure that old fellow’s den is around here somewhere. Don’t you remember what Ben told us about him? You know he said if you suddenly came upon an old fox near its den and young, it would act exactly like this one is acting. Remember how he said it would hover near and endeavor to frighten you into leaving the vicinity, or else would try to draw you into a chase, and so lead you away from the spot?”
“By ginger! you’re right, George. Great head! I had forgotten all about it,” confessed Ed. “I believe that is just what this old ‘sly-boots’ is trying to do. Let’s look around a bit, and we may find the den.”
Giving no thought to the fox, which was becoming bolder each minute, they began to search about, in the hope of discovering his lair. Several times, in its concern and excitement, the crafty creature ran almost within reach of them.
“Wonder if he really would attack us?” said George.
“I don’t believe it,” replied Ed. “I think he’s just bluffing.”
Finally the fox uttered a few impatient yaps and trotted off. The boys stood looking after it; but apparently the sly red fellow had lost all interest in them. He disappeared over a hill, as though their presence in the vicinity caused him little anxiety.
“Well, what about that?” inquired Ed, disgustedly. “I don’t believe we are within a mile of his den. I guess he was just looking us over to see if it was worth while carrying one of us home for dinner,” he laughed.