"As he began to pull at the cob, meaning to carry it off to his den, there came that dazzling white flash," Ethan continued.
"It petrified the 'coon for the instant," explained Phil, "that happens in nearly every case. If you look close you'll find that the animal always has a startled expression. I rather think any of us would if a flash like that blinded us just when we'd started to pick up the biggest watermelon in the patch."
"It frightened Mr. 'Coon away, of course," said Ethan.
"But he may sneak back here again before morning," laughed Phil. "You can see where his teeth cut into the green corn, and the memory of that one taste will make him ready to take chances again."
He dropped the half ear of corn on the ground as he spoke.
"You mean that the poor old chap isn't going to be cheated out of his fine treat, eh, Phil?"
"He deserves something," was the reply, "because I reckon he's given me a cracking good picture. I want him to know I appreciate his pull at my latch string."
This closed the incident, but on the way back Ethan continued to ask numerous questions. These the other always answered to the best of his ability, for it was his desire to interest Ethan more and more.
And Phil felt satisfied when, just before they arrived at the cabin Ethan gave expression to an admission:
"Well, I'm ready to own up, Phil, that if for any reason I couldn't have a gun, or use one because the law was on all game, I might take some stock in hunting by flashlight, and with a camera."