The Mephitic Skunk,
123
finally breaking into a frantic run. In vain I followed him, shouting at the top of my lungs; he stayed not to listen, and very speedily vanished from sight--a white speck on the vast level plain. At noon on the following day he made his appearance, gaunt and befouled with mud, staggering forward like a galvanized skeleton. Too worn out
Skunk and dog.
even to eat, he flung himself down, and for hours lay like a dead thing, sleeping off the effects of those few drops of perfume.
Dogs, I concluded, like men, have their idiosyncrasies; but I had gained my point, and proved once more--if any proof were needed--the truth of that noble panegyric of Bacon's on our faithful servant and companion.
CHAPTER VIII.
MIMICRY AND WARNING COLOURS IN GRASSHOPPERS.