,transcrib]'s ,note3 ,e ef=t has be5 made to replicate ?is text z fai?fully z possible1 includ+ "s inconsi/5cies ( hyph5ation4 ,italic text has be5 m>k$ ) und]scores4 ,,/udies ,,9 ,,! ,,art ,,( ,,rat-,,cat*+4 ,,by ,h4 ,c4 ,,b>kley1 ,,au?or ,,( ,,my ,,boyhood1 ,,betwe5 ,,! ,,danube ,,& ,,! ,,black ,,sea1 ,,etc4 ,,popul> ,,edition4 ,,london3 ,,john ,,murray1 ,,albem>le ,,/reet4 #ahif4 ,,london3 ,,pr9t$ ,,by ,,william ,,cl[es ,,& ,,sons1 ,,limit$1 ,,/am=d ,,/reet ,,& ,,*>+ ,,cross4 ,,preface4 ,my publi%] writes to say t he1 & he ?9ks o!rs too1 w\ld l to "k h[ ,i ev] came to write su* a book z ?is6 ,x came ab\t 9 ?is way4 ,"s two ye>s ago1 ,i 0 ab\t to leave ,engl& = a consid]able "t1 & a few days be=e />t+1 ,i w5t to /ay 9 a c\ntry h\se1 full ( lads & lassies1 to say good-bye4 ,"o ev5+1 :ile sitt+ ov] ! /udy fire1 ! subject ( rat-cat*+ came up &1 z ! ag$ are some:at wont to d1 ,i babbl$ on ab\t pa/ days & v>i\s rat-cat*+ exp]i5ces1 till "o ( ! boys exclaim$1 ,i say1 :at sport x w\ld be if !y w\ld only tea* rat-cat*+ at s*ool6 ,w\ldn't ,i j "w h>d !n1 t's all6 ,! /ories came to an end at b$-"t1 & ,i 0 !n press$ by my he>]s to write f =eign l&s "s m ( my old rem9isc5ces1 & ,i readily gave a promise to d s4 ,9 ?is way mo/ ( ! foll[+ /ories 7 writt52 & 9 writ+ !m1 ,i endeav\r$ to c>ry out ! idea t !y 7 ex]cises to be us$ 9 s*ools4 ,i don't anticipate t head-ma/]s w v g5]ally adopt ! book 9 _! s*ools2 b ,i hope x may1 9 "s few in/ances1 give boys a ta/e = a :olesome c\ntry pa/ime4 ,! *>act]s & incid5ts are r\gh1 v r\gh1 p5 & ink sket*es ( real p & sc5es1 & ! dogs are all de> fri5ds ( pa/ days4 ,,cont5ts4 ,,*apt] ,i4 ,page ,! ,f]ret ,family--,cross$ ) ! ,polecat--,*oos+ ,f]rets--,hut*es--,fe$+ ,f]rets--,b> ! ,tail--,h&l+ ,f]rets #h ,,*apt] ,,ii4 ,bag v]sus ,box--,f]rets ,fight+--,! ,ratt+ ,spade-- ,ratt+ ,tools--,h9ts to ,s*oolma/]s--,le>n+ ,dog-,language--,) a ,scold 9 ! ,voice--,dogs' ,k5nel--,treat+ ,dogs ,k9dly--,dogs 9 _! ,prop] ,place #bc ,,*apt] ,,iii4 ,ari/ocratic v]sus ,plutocratic--,come-by-,*ance--,*ance's ,fri5d--,nondescript ,t9k]--,gr9dum--,h[ ,i got ,gr9dum-- ,gr9dum's ,fri5ds--,jack & 8 ,si/]--,jack ,took ,me-- ,end ( an ,ugly ,/ory--,gr9dum's ,fir/ ,rat--,pepp] & ,wasp #db ,,*apt] ,,iv4 ,a ,day's ,ratt+--,an ,autumn ,walk--,/eady1 ,dogs1 ,/eady--,a ,f]ret ,disabl$--,rats up a ,poll>d--,a ,rat-cat*]'s ,picnic--,rats 9 a ,dra9--,a ,we>y ,walk ,home--,k5nel1 ,dogs1 ,k5nel #fg ,,*apt] ,v4 ,a ,poor ,day's ,ratt+--,a ,rat 9 a ,que] ,place--,rats 9 my ,lady's ,*amb]--,rats 9 a ,h\se--,slaught] 9 a ,cell>--,dead ,rats 9 a ,h\se #he ,,*apt] ,,vi4 ,a ,novemb] ,day--,a ,laid-up ,f]ret--,a ,tramp ,home 9 ! ,wet--,a ,snug ,ev5+--,?+s ,/ud5ts %\ld ,"k--,muzzl+ ,f]rets--,suck+ ,blood--,a ,/range ,use = a ,dog's ,tail #if ,,*apt] ,,vii4 ,rabbit ,cat*+--,tools = ,rabbit ,cat*+--,an ,easy ,day's ,rabbit+--,f]ret+ a ,bank--,a ,deep ,dig 9 ! ,s&--,a ,day ) ! ,purse ,nets--,necessity ( ,sil5ce--,f]rets )\t ,muzzles--,h[ to ,kill ,rabbits #aac ,,*apt] ,,viii4 ,trip to ! ,seaside--,survey+ ! ,hunt+ ,gr\nd--,a ,view f ! ,cliffs--,a ,sea ,view--,! ,rector's ,daught]--,doctor+ ! ,burr[s--,runn+ out ,nets--,hie 91 ,good ,dogs #acj ,,*apt] ,,ix4 ,! ,beg9n+ ( a ,/orm--,a ,%ip 9 ,di/ress--,! ,village ,h>b\r--,a ,fi%]man's ,home--,little ,jack1 ! ,cripple-- ,wait+ = ! ,boats--,a ,r\gh ,old ,fi%-,wife--,! ,return ( ! ,fi%]m5 #adg ,,*apt] ,x4 ,! ,rector's ,/ory--,a ,%ip 9 ,dang] ,runn+ ,/raight on ! ,rocks--,to ! ,rescue--,wat*+ ! ,boat--,break+ up ( ! ,%ip--,beyond ! ,/orms ( ,life--,life 9 ! ,little ,"o-- ,nature's ,gifts--,:at a ,hodge-,podge #afe ,,introduction4 ,,address$ ,,to ,,all ,,s*oolboys4 ,ev] s9ce ,i 0 a boy1 & ah6 long1 long be=e t1 ,i fancy1 ! "o great anxiety ( p>5ts ( ! upp] & middle classes bless$ ) l>ge families has be51 ,:at are we to d ) our boys8 & ! cry goes on increas+1 be+ int5sifi$ by ! depreciation 9 ! value ( l&1 & by our di/ant colonies gett+ a little ov]/ock$ ) "y g5tlem51 :o h be5 bani%$ to !m by ?\s&s1 to /ruggle & /rive1 s9k or swim1 z fate wills x4 ,at home1 all pr(essions are full & ev]y?+ has be5 tri$2 &1 g :]e y w1 ev5 ! *ildr5 ( ! noble may be f\nd wre/l+ ) ^? ( ! middle & work+ classes = e piece ( bread t falls 9 ! gutt]4 ,no?+ is infra dig4 t br+s 9 a %ill+1 & all has be5 & is be+ tri$4 ,! sons ( ! great are to be f\nd %\ld] to %\ld] ) ,tommy ,atk9s1 up beh9d a hansom cab1 keep+ %ops1 sell+ w9es1 horses1 cig>s1 coals1 & g5]ally endeav\r+ feebly to %\ld] ! son ( ! work+ man out ( ! race ov] ! ropes4 ,=tunately ,heav5 temp]s ! w9d to ! %orn lamb1 & ,i believe x has done s n[4 ,i believe k9d ,dame ,nature dur+ ! la/ summ] has /epp$ 9 & op5$ out an hon\rable pa? = _m g5tlem5's sons1 t ,i ?9k w be _! salvation1 & at all ev5ts1 if x does n make !m all ri*1 w1 if !y only foll[ x1 make !m mo/ useful memb]s ( society & keep !m out ( mis*ief & out ( _! mammas' snug draw+-rooms4 ,i h foll[$ ! pa? myself1 &1 aft] fifty ye>s' tramp d[n x1 h be5 =c$ to ab&on x ow+ to g\t & rheumatism4 ,i h n pick$ up a big =tune at x1 or become celebrat$1 except q locally2 b ,i h _h a good "t & help$ ! _w 9 g5]al1 & am cont5t ) my pa/ life4 ,i 0 ! son ( a wor?y c\ntry p>son1 :o 9 my y\? propos$ to me 9 turn to become a judge1 a bi%op1 a g5]al1 a ,glad/one1 a ,nelson1 a ,sir ,james ,paget1 & a rituali/ic curate2 b :5 talk+ to me on ! subject ! good old man always said1 ,m9d1 my boy1 ?\gh ,i propose ^! v>i\s positions = y1 yet1 if y h any decid$ pref]5ce y\rself1 ,i w n ?w>t y1 ,i w n fly 9 ! face ( nature4 ,= "s "t ,i ?\ght ,i %\ld r l to be a bi%op1 & to ?is day ,i ?9k ,i %\ld h made a good "o2 b ! voice spoke at la/1 & my de/9y 0 settl$4 ,) ! mode/ capital ( five %ill+s giv5 me by my fa!r1 & a mongrel t]ri]1 giv5 me by a poa*] :o _h to g into retirem5t = kill+ a pheasant & half kill+ a keep]1 ,i began my c>e] z a--b ,i _h bett] give y "o ( my pr(essional c>ds4 ,"h x is-- ,,bob ,,joy1 ,,rat-,,cat*] ,to ,h4,r4,h4 ,! ,pr9ce ( ,wales1 ,! ,nobility & ,g5try4 ,i _h a /ruggle at fir/4 ,rats1 full-gr[n ones1 only fet*$ twop5ce ea*1 & ! sy/em adopt$ by f>m]s ( lett+ _! rat-kill+1 =1 say1 ?ree p\nds a ye> = a f>m ( #djj acres1 almo/ broke me2 b ,i /uck to my pr(ession1 & d n regret hav+ done s4 ,9 ^? days1 & dur+ all my active life1 ,i h _h to "w to live1 ow+ to ! con/ant sc>city ( rats2 b if ,i manag$ to make a liv+ !n1 :at might n be done n[1 :5 ,nature has s5t ! rat to our home/eads by ?\s&s1 & f>m]s & o!rs are be+ eat5 (f ! face ( ! e>? by !m8 ,:y1 my de> "y fri5ds1 y\r =tune />es y 9 ! face1 & y h only to /ret* out y\r h& & grasp x--no6 ,i h made a mi/ake3 y h a little m to d--y h1 fir/1 to le>n y\r pr(ession1 :i* is no easy matt]2 & to enable y to d ?is1 ,i int5d writ+ ! foll[+ book = ! use ( s*ools 7:i* ,i h]e) d$icate to ! ,head ,ma/]s ( ,eton1 ,h>r[1 ,we/m9/]1 ,rugby1 & all o!r s*ools72 b 9 plac+ ?is book on y\r s*ool-desk1 all[ me to say t x is no good hav+ x !re ?r\gh ! long s*ool h\rs unless y op5 x1 read x1 & deeply pond] ov] x2 & m1 my de> boys1 let me pray t y w take x home ) y1 &1 ca/+ aside y\r usual holiday task1 /udy x well1 &1 z f> z possible1 actively put 9 practice :at ,i am go+ to try & tea* y4 ,"s fa!rs may wi% _! sons to ent] on a m humble c\rse ( life1 b ?is ,i r d\bt4 ,h[ev]1 %\ld !y d s1 x w be only s mu* ! bett] = ^? :o take x up3 !re w be m room = !m4 ,mo/ mo!rs1 ,i fe>1 w object to x on ! gr\nd t rats & f]rets don't smell nice2 b ?is objection is n reasonable4 ,!y might z well say t ! :iff ( a fox on a s(t ,decemb] morn+ z y ride to cov]t is n delici\s6 ,respect y\r p>5ts1 respect ev5 _! prejudices2 g5tly po9t out to y\r fa!r t y are ambiti\s & wi% = a c>e] 9 :i* y c di/+ui% y\rself4 ,above all1 respect y\r "m1 & %[ y\r respect by n tak+ f]rets or dead rats 9 y\r pockets into h] draw+-room1 & by wa%+ y\r h&s a little betwe5 fondl+ !m & cuddl+ h]4 ,b to f9i% ?is s]mon1 let me po9t out t ?\gh 9 ?is great pr(ession y w be ev]la/+ly mix$ up ) dogs ( all sorts1 always make !m come to y1 & nev] g to !m4 ,"o la/ ^w4 ,if 9 ! foll[+ pages y come across a bit ( gramm> or spell+ calculat$ to make a ,head ,ma/] sit up1 excuse x1 & rememb] t ,i h be5 a rat-cat*] all my life1 & z a class we are n q ,a#a at book le>n+4 ,illu/ration ,,/udies ,,9 ,,rat ,,cat*+ ,,= ,,! ,,use ,,( ,,s*ools4 ,,*apt] ,i4 ,9 ! foll[+ elem5t>y treatise = ! use ( public s*ools1 ,i propose foll[+ exactly ! same plan z my p>son 7a good fell[ n afraid ( a f]ret or a rat7 does ) 8 s]mons--t is1 divide x into diff]5t heads1 & !n jumble up all ! heads ) ! body1 till x becomes z difficult to foll[ z a rat's hole 9 a s(t bank2 &1 to beg9 )1 ,i am go+ to talk ab\t f]rets1 = )\t !m rat-cat*+ won't pay4 ,:]e f]rets fir/ came f ,i am n sure1 b some:]e ,i h read t !y 7 import$ f ,morocco1 & t !y are n natives ( ,great ,brita9 any m ?an ! ord9>y rat is4 ,if !y 7 import$1 !n t import] ranks 9 my m9d )1 b be=e1 ,*ri/oph] ,columbus & all su* travell]s4 ,anyh[ x is q cle> t n[h]e 9 ,great ,brita9 are !re wild f]rets1 = !y are z di/9ct f ! /oat1 ! m\se-hunt]1 ! pole-cat1 etc41 z ,i am f a ,r$ ,indian2 & yet all belong to ! same family1 s mu* s t ,i h kn[n ( a m>riage tak+ place betwe5 ! f]ret & pole-cat1 ! (fspr+ ( :i* h aga9 m>ri$ f]rets & 9 _! turn h multipli$ & increas$1 :i* is a pro( t !y are n mules1 = ! *ildr5 ( mules1 ei!r 9 birds or bea/s1 d n h "y ones4 ,!re are two di/9ct col\rs 9 f]rets--"o is a ri* d>k br[n & tan1 & ! o!r :ite ) p9k eyes2 & 9 my op9ion "o is j z good z ! o!r = "w1 ?\gh by pref]5ce ,i always keep ! :ite f]ret1 z x is soon] se5 if x comes out ( a hole & works away d[n a f5ce or dit* bottom4 ,i h nev] kn[n a d>k-col\r$ f]ret com+ among a litt] ( :ite ones or a :ite among ! d>k2 b !re is a cross betwe5 ! two :i* produces a grizzly bea/1 g5]ally bigg] ?an its "m1 :i* ,i h = _m ye>s avoid$1 ?\gh x is mu* ?\ght ( 9 "s p>ts ( ! ,midl&s4 ,i fancy 7?\gh ,i may be wrong7 t ! cross is a dull sl[ f]ret1 want+ 9 da% & c\rage1 & n s fri5dly & affectionate z ! o!rs1 & !re=e apt to /ick ) j its nose out ( a hole s t y c't pick x up1 or else x w lay up & give a lot ( tr\ble digg+ x out4 ,= rat-cat*+ ! female f]ret %\ld always be us$1 z x is n half ! size ( ! male1 & c !re=e foll[ a rat fa/] & bett] 9 n>r[ holes2 9 fact1 an ord9>y female f]ret %\ld be able to foll[ a full-gr[n rat any:]e4 ,! male f]ret %\ld be kept entirely = rabbit+1 z he has n to foll[ d[n small holes1 & be+ /rong] ?an ! female c /& ! r\gh knock+ ab\t he (t5 gets f a rabbit bett] ?an 8 wife c4 ,9 buy+ a f]ret = "w1 get "o f n9e to fifte5 mon?s old1 z "y f]rets ,i f9d usually h m c\rage & da% ?an an old "o4 ,!y h n be5 s (t5 puni%$ & !re=e d n ?9k discretion ! bett] "p ( val\r4 ,h[ev] ?is w n be f\nd to be an inv>iable rule4 ,i h kn[n old f]rets t w\ld h fac$ a lion & seem$ to c>e no?+ ab\t be+ badly bitt52 :]eas ,i h kn[n a "y f]ret turn out good-=-no?+ f hav+ "o %>p nip f a rat4 ,su* bea/s _h bett] be p>t$ )1 = a bad1 sl[1 or c[>dly f]ret is vexation ( _s & n pr(itable4 ,if ,i am buy+ br[n f]rets ,i always pick ! d>ke/1 z ,i fancy !y h mo/ da%4 ,?is may be only fancy1 or x may be ! orig9al f]ret 0 :ite & t ! br[n is ! cross betwe5 x & ! polecat1 & t !re=e ! d>k] ! f]ret1 ! m l x is 9 temp] z well z col\r to its big1 /rong1 wild ance/or4 ,anyh[ ,i buy ! d>k ones4 ,if ,i am buy+ female f]rets1 ,i l big long ones1 z a small f]ret has n weight en\gh to tackle a big rat1 & !re=e (t5 gets desp]ately puni%$4 ,i l to see ! f]rets 9 a tub1 end up1 look+ well n\ri%$ & /rong2 & directly ,i t\* ! tub ,i l to see !m da% out ( _! hidd5 b$s 9 ! /raw & ru% to spr+ up ! sides l a lot ( furies4 ,:5 ,i put my h& 9 to take "o1 ,i pref] n to be bitt52 b yet ,i h (t5 kn[n a f]ret turn out v well t has begun by mak+ its tee? meet ?r\gh my f+]4 ,:5 ,i h ! f]ret 9 h&1 ,i fir/ look at its tail & !n at its feet1 & if ^! are clean x w d4 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 ,i f9d a ?9 appe>ance ab\t ! hairs ( its tail & a black-look+ du/ at ! roots1 ! f]ret goes back into ! tub2 or if ! und]side ( ! feet are black & ! claws encru/$ ) dirt1 ,i w h no?+ to say to x1 z x has ! mange & w be tr\blesome to cure4 ,all ?is done1 ,i put ! f]ret on ! gr\nd & keep pick+ x up & lett+ x g2 if :5 ,i d ?is x sets up ! hairs ( its tail1 ar*es its back & hisses at me1 ,i may buy x2 b ,i "k1 if ,i d1 ,i %all h to h&le x mu* to get x tame4 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 :5 ,i play ) x ! f]ret beg9s to dance sideways & play1 ,i pay d[n my money & take x at once1 = ,i h nev] kn[n a playful f]ret to prove a bad "o4 ,if :5 y get ! f]ret x is wild & savage1 x %\ld be con/antly h&l$ till x is q tam$ be=e x is us$4 ,little bro!rs & si/]s w be f\nd useful at ?is4 ,give !m ! f]ret to play ) 9 an empty or ne>ly empty b>n or %$ :]e x _c escape4 ,put into ! %$ ) !m "s long dra9 pipes1 & tell !m to f]ret rats out ( !m4 ,! *ances are !y w put ! f]ret ?r\gh !m & pick x up s (t51 t x w le>n !re is no?+ to fe> :5 x comes out ( a real rat's hole1 & w ev] aft] come to h& readily4 ,y _h bett] n be 9 ! way :5 ! *ildr5 return to _! "m or nurse4 ,i h _h disagreeable mom5ts on su* occasions4 ,hav+ got all y\r f]rets1 ! next "q is h[ to keep !m4 ,i h tri$ scores ( diff]5t h\ses = !m4 ,i h kept !m 9 a big roomy %$1 9 tubs1 9 boxes1 & 9 pits 9 ! gr\nd2 b n[ ,i always use a box ) ?ree comp>tm5ts4 ,! left-h& comp>tm5t %\ld be ! smalle/ & fill$ ) :eat-/raw well pack$ 91 ) a small r\nd hole a little way up ! division1 = ! f]rets to use z a door4 ,! middle comp>tm5t %\ld be empty & h ! floor & front made ( wire nett+1 to all[ light1 v5tilation & dra9age4 ,! ?ird comp>tm5t %\ld be ent]$ f ! middle "o by a hole 9 ! division1 b %\ld h a /rong t9 tray fitt+ ov] ! floor ( x cov]$ ) s&1 :i* c be drawn out & clean$2 ! front ( ?is comp>tm5t1 too1 %\ld be wire nett+4 ,! s& tray %\ld be remov$ & clean$ e day1 ev5 ,sundays4 ,! h\se %\ld /& on legs ab\t a foot high4 ,ea* comp>tm5t %\ld h a sep>ate lid1 & ! little entrance holes ?r\gh ! divisions %\ld h a slide to %ut !m1 s t any "o division c be op5$ )\t all ! f]rets ru%+ out4 ,! b$ %\ld be *ang$ once a week4 ,su* a box z ,i h %[n is l>ge en\gh = t5 f]rets4 ,= a "m ) a family a mu* small] box w suffice1 b x %\ld be made on ! same plan4 ,= b$d+ use only :eat-/raw4 ,ei!r b>ley-/raw or hay w give f]rets mange 9 a few days4 ,aft] h\s+ ! f]rets1 !y w require fe$+4 ,i h always giv5 my f]rets bread & milk once or twice a week1 :i* 0 plac$ 9 flat t9s 9 ! middle comp>tm5t2 b c>e %\ld be tak5 to clean out ! t9s ea* "t1 z any old s\r milk 9 !m w turn ! fre% milk & make ! f]rets ill4 ,! natural food ( f]rets is fle%--! fle% ( small animals--& !re=e x %\ld be ! *ief food giv54 ,small birds1 rats & mice are to !m da9ty morsels1 b ! f]rets w be sure to drag ^! into _! b$s to eat & w leave ! sk9s unt\*$2 ^! %\ld be remov$ ea* day4 ,:5 my f]rets are n 9 regul> "w !y are f$ j be=e sunset2 if !y are f$ 9 ! morn+ !y are no good = "w all day1 & "o c nev] tell 7except on ,sundays7 t "o ( ! dogs may n f9d a rat t wants kill+4 ,! day be=e real "w1 ,i give ! f]rets bread & milk 9 ! morn+1 & no?+ on ! day !y g out until _! "w is ov]4 ,?is makes !m ke54 ,rememb] f]rets "w h>d 9 a big day's ratt+1 & !re=e %\ld be well n\ri%$ & /rong2 a f]ret t is n w n h ! c\rage to face a rat4 ,i h li/5$ to all sorts ( !ories f old h&s ab\t fe$+ f]rets1 b h foll[$ ! advice ( few4 ,= in/ance1 ,i h be5 told t if y give fle%1 su* z rats & birds1 to a f]ret t has "y ones1 x w drag x into ! /raw among ! little ones1 :o w get ! blood on !m1 & !n ! "m w eat !m by mi/ake4 ,all ,i c say is1 ,i h re>$ hundr$s ( "y f]rets & h always giv5 ! mo!rs fle%4 ,x is true t f]rets w eat _! "y1 & ! way to br+ ?is ab\t is to di/urb ! babies 9 ! ne/4 ,if y leave !m q alone till !y beg9 to creep ab\t ,i believe !re is no dang]4 ,!n _m old rat-cat*]s nev] give a f]ret a rat ) its tail on1 z !y believe !re is poison 9 x4 ,i rememb] "o old fell[ say+ to me z he cut (f ! tail be=e putt+ ! rat into ! f]rets' box1 ,b> ! tail--,i allus b>s ! tail--!re's w5om 9 ! tail4 ,!re may be w5om 9 x2 b1 if !re is1 x won't hurt ! f]rets1 = !y nev] eat x or ! sk94 ,if f]rets are prop]ly c>$ = !y are r>ely ill1 & ! only tr\ble ,i h ev] _h is ) mange1 :i*1 z ,i h said be=e1 attacks ! tail & feet4 ,mo/ rat-cat*]s keep a bottle ( spirits ( t>1 ) :i* !y dress ! affect$ p>ts4 ,x cures ! mange1 b1 by ! way ! poor little bea/s hop ab\t aft] be+ dress$1 ,i fe> x /+s dreadfully4 ,i h always us$ sulphur & l>d1 & aft] rubb+ x well 9 a few times ,i h always f\nd x work$ a cure4 ,! objection to sulphur & l>d is t x does n hurt1 = ,i h notic$ t sort ( man g5]ally pref]s us+ a rem$y t hurts a lot--t is1 :]e ! pati5t is n himself1 b an animal4 ,no big day's ratt+ ev] takes place )\t a f]ret gett+ badly bitt54 ,:5 ?is is s1 ! f]ret %\ld nev] be us$ aga9 until x is q well4 ,x %\ld be s5t home & put 9 a quiet box1 ap>t f ! o!rs1 & ! bites g5tly t\*$ ) a little sweet oil f "t to "t2 or1 if x fe/]s mu*1 x %\ld be spong$ ) w>m wat]4 ,i h (t5 _h f]rets die ( _! w\nds1 & ^! h usually be5 ! be/ ,i _h4 ,aga91 ) w\nds ! old rat-cat*] uses ! t>-bottle1 *iefly1 ,i ?9k1 because x hurts ! f]ret1 & !re=e mu/ h a p[] ( wirtue4 ,be=e go+ fur!r ,i %\ld po9t out to all /ud5ts ( ?is ennobl+ pr(ession t ! v fir/ ?+ !y h to le>n is to pick up a f]ret4 ,don't grab x by its tail1 or hold x by its head z y w\ld a mad bull-dog2 b take hold ( x lightly r\nd ! %\ld]s1 ) its front legs fall+ gracefully out bel[ f betwe5 y\r f+]s4 ,!n :5 y g to ! box = y\r f]rets1 & !y come clamb]+ up ! side l a pack ( hungry wolves1 put y\r h& /raight 9 among !m )\t a glove1 & pick up :i* "o y require4 ,don't hesitate a mom5t4 ,don't dangle y\r h& ov] _! heads till y c make a da% & cat* "o4 ,! f]rets w only ?9k y\r h& is _! supp] com+ & w grab x1 ) no ill int5t2 b if y put x d[n /eadily & sl[ly1 !y w soon le>n y only d s to take !m out1 & y\r h& w become z welcome to !m z fl[]s 9 spr+4 ,true1 at fir/1 ) /range f]rets y may be bitt52 b x is n a v s]i\s ?+ if y are1 z f]rets' bites are nev] v5om\s1 z ! bites ( rats (t5 are4 ,i h 9 my "t be5 bitt5 by f]rets _m doz5s ( times & h nev] suff]$ any ill effects4 ,!re1 ,i ?9k t is en\gh = y\r fir/ lesson1 s ,i w s5d x (f at once & get x pr9t$ = y4 ,,*apt] ,,ii4 ,! fir/ *apt] ( ?is lesson-book has gone to ! pr9t]1 s ,i don't q "k :at ,i said 9 x1 b ,i ?9k we _h f9i%$ ! home-life ( ! f]ret & 7 j tak+ x out ( its box4 ,diff]5t pr(essors h diff]5t op9ions z to :at is next to be done ) x4 ,_m 7& !y are good m5 too7 ?9k y %\ld put x into a box ab\t eighte5 in*es long1 t5 in*es high1 & t5 wide2 ! box to be divid$ into two comp>tm5ts1 ) a lid to ea*1 & ) lea!r loops to ^! lids ?r\gh :i* to ?ru/ a po9t$ spade s z to c>ry x on y\r %\ld]4 ,i h tri$ ?is plan1 b ,i h nev] q lik$ x4 ,i h f\nd t aft] a heavy day's "w ! box 0 apt to get heavy & feel z if x 7 a gr&fa!r's clock hang+ on y\r back4 ,!n ! ratt+ spade 0 engag$ in/ead ( be+ free to mump a rat on ! head 9 a hurry1 or po9t out a likely hole to ! dogs4 ,:5 a f]ret 0 want$1 all ! o!rs w\ld da% out & h to be hunt$ ab\t to be re-caught4 ,n[ & !n ! lids came op5 & let all out2 & n[ & !n ,i let ! box slip (f ! spade & fall to ! gr\nd1 & !n ,i felt sorry = ! f]rets inside x6 ,no1 ,i h always c>ri$ my f]rets 9 a good /rong canvas bag1 ) a little clean /raw at ! bottom1 & a lea!r /rap & buckle /it*$ on to x ) :i* to close x4 ,don't tie ! bag ) a piece ( /r+--x is sure to get lo/2 & don't h a /iff buckle on y\r /rap t takes t5 m9utes to undo4 ,rememb] ! life ( a rat may dep5d ^u y\r gett+ y\r f]ret out quickly4 ,nev] ?r[ ! bag ( f]rets d[n2 lay !m d[n g5tly4 ,don't leave ! bag on ! gr\nd 9 a broil+ sun ) "s ( ! f]rets 9 x :ile y are us+ ! o!rs1 or 9 a cold draughty place on a cold day2 f9d a snug corn] = !m1 if y c1 & cov] !m up ) a little /raw or grass to keep !m w>m4 ,if1 :5 c>ry+ y\r f]rets1 !y *att] 9 ! bag1 let !m2 x is only s++1 n fight+4 ,i h nev] kn[n a f]ret hurt ano!r 9 a bag4 ,always bag y\r f]ret z soon z y h done ) x2 don't drag x ab\t 9 y\r h& = half an h\r1 & don't put x 9 y\r pocket1 z x w make y\r coat smell4 ,:5 ,i h done "w & turn$ t[>ds home1 ,i h made x a rule always to put a dead rat into ! bag1 z ,i ?9k x amuses ! f]rets & breaks ! monotony ( a long j\rney2 j z :5 ,i run d[n home ,i l tak+ a snack at ,sw9don ,/ation1 j to div]t my m9d f ! racket+ ( ! tra9 & ! ?\ght ( ! h>d seat4 ,:5 y get home1 give ! f]rets a rat = e two ( !m1 if y c af=d x1 = !n !y ne$ only eat ! be/ jo9ts4 ,if y h n _m dead rats & want to save "s = ! morr[1 "o rat = ?ree f]rets is en\gh = tw5ty-f\r h\rs2 b don't =get to give !m wat] or milk4 ,i ?9k ,i h said en\gh z to ! managem5t ( f]rets1 & w g on to speak ( ! necess>y tools4 ,! *ief ?+ is a good ratt+ spade4 ,:at ! musket is to ! soldi]1 ! spade is to ! rat-cat*]4 ,y may get on )\t x1 b y won't d mu* kill+4 ,i h tri$ _m %apes1 b ! "o ,i l be/ is on ! patt]n ( ! above draw+4 ,x %\ld n be too heavy1 b yet /rong2 &1 !re=e1 ! h&le %\ld be made ( a good piece ( a%1 & ! o!r p>ts ( ! be/ temp]$ /eel1 & ! edge %\ld be %>p en\gh to cut quickly ?r\gh a ?ick root4 ,! spike %\ld be %>p1 s z easily to ent] ! gr\nd & feel = a lo/ hole4 ,?is w con/antly save a long dig & mu* "t2 besides1 "o c (t5 bolt a rat by a few well-direct$ prods 9 a s(t bank--n t ,i approve ( ?is1 z !re may be m ?an "o rat 9 ! hole1 & by prodd+ out "o y are cont5t$ to leave o!rs beh9d4 ,no1 ,i ?9k ! f]ret %\ld g d[n e hole *all5g$ by ! dogs1 z !n y are pretty sure ( mak+ a clean job ( x4 ,besides ! spade1 ,i h always kept a few trap boxes4 ,^! are to cat* a f]ret %\ld "o lay up & h to be left beh9d4 ,i bait !m ) a piece ( rat & place !m at ! m\? ( ! hole1 & x is r>e ,i don't f9d ! f]ret 9 x 9 ! morn+4 ,i also take "o ( ^! traps ) me if ,i am go+ :]e rats are v num]\s2 !n1 if a f]ret /ops too long 9 a hole1 ,i /ick ! m\? ( ! trap ov] ! hole & pack x r\nd ) e>? & /op up all ! bolt holes1 & !n g on work+ ) ! o!r f]rets4 ,:5 ! slugg>d is at la/ tir$ ( ! hole1 x walks into ! trap1 %ov+ up ! wire sw+ door1 :i* falls d[n beh9d x1 & !re x has to /op till y fet* x4 ,if ,i am go+ to f]ret :eat /acks :]e rats h work$ /rong1 ,i take ) me half a doz5 pieces ( ?9 bo>d ab\t a foot long4 ,i d s = ?is reason4 ,! fir/ ?+ rats d :5 !y take possession ( a /ack is to make a good pa?1 or run1 all r\nd x j "u ! eaves2 & :5 di/urb$ by f]rets1 !y get into ?is run & keep runn+ away r\nd & r\nd ! /ack )\t com+ to ! gr\nd4 ,!re=e1 be=e putt+ 9 ! f]rets1 ,i take a ladd]1 & go+ r\nd ! eaves ( ! /ack ,i /ick ! bo>ds 9 s z to cut (f ^! runs1 & :5 a rat goes (f = a gallop he comes to no ?or\ghf>e1 & feel+ sure ! f]ret is aft] him1 he 9 desp]ation comes to ! gr\nd1 & !n ! dogs c h a *ance4 ,i once kill$ tw5ty-eight rats out ( a big /ack 9 tw5ty m9utes aft] ! f]rets 7 put 91 all ?anks to ^! /op-bo>ds2 & ?\gh ,i ran ! f]rets ?r\gh & ?r\gh ! /ack aft]w>ds1 ,i did n />t ano!r1 & s ,i believe ,i _h got ! lot4 ,i ?9k ,i h enum]at$ all ! tools requir$ = rat-cat*+4 ,i ne$ n m5tion a knife & a piece ( /r+1 z all hone/ m5 h !m 9 _! pocket always1 ev5 on ,sundays4 ,"s rat-cat*]s take ) !m ?ick lea!r gloves to save _! gett+ bitt5 by a rat or a f]ret2 b ,i despise su* effem9ate ways1 & ,i consid] he does n "k 8 pr(ession if he _c cat* ei!r f]ret or rat ) 8 nak$ h&s4 ,i mu/ n[ turn to ! subject ( dogs--"o f> m important ?an ei!r f]rets or tools1 & "o s l>ge t if ,i w5t on writ+ & writ+ to ! end ( my days ,i %\ld n get to ! end ( x1 & s %all only make a few notes ^u x z a slight guide to ! /ud5t1 leav+ him to foll[ x up & "w x out = himself2 b 9 s do+ ,i beg to say t 8 future success z a rat-cat*] w dep5d on 8 ma/]+ ! subject4 ,b1 be=e proce$+ fur!r1 ,i am anxi\s to say a few words 9 p>5!sis = ! b5efit ( ! ,head ,ma/]s ( our s*ools4 ,admirable z _! academies are = turn+ out ,greek & ,lat9 s*ol>s1 ,i _c help ?9k+ a prop] provision is seldom made 9 _! e/abli%m5ts = acquir+ a real work+ k ( ! pr(ession ( a rat-cat*]2 & ,i wi% to sugge/ t x w\ld be z well to insi/ on all ^? /ud5ts :o wi% to take up ?is subject keep+ at s*ool at lea/ "o good dog & a f]ret1 & t two aft]noons a week %\ld be set ap>t entirely = field practice1 & t ! co/ ( ?is %\ld be jott$ d[n at ! end ( ea* t]m 9 ! little s*ool acc\nt t is s5t home to ! /ud5ts' p>5ts4 ,i "k mo/ high-spirit$ boys w object to ?is & call x a fre% tyranny1 & ev] aft] hate me = propos+ x2 b ,i d x "u a deep s5se ( duty1 be+ conv9c$ t x is f> bett] !y %\ld p]fectly ma/] ! rudim5t>y k ( su* an hone/ pr(ession z t ( rat-cat*]1 ?an t !y %\ld drift on ?r\gh _! s*ool life ) no def9ite future m>k$ out1 f9ally to become p]haps su* sc\rges ( society z ,m4,p4s :o make spee*es :5 ,p>liam5t is n sitt+4 ,judg+ f ! columns ( ! newspap]s1 !re mu/ be _m ?\s&s :o come to ?is mo/ deplorable end2 & if ,i c only turn "o f su* a vici\s c\rse1 ,i %all feel ,i h b5efitt$ mank9d ev5 m ?an by kill+ rats & o!r v]m94 ,n[ ,i mu/ return to ! subject ( dogs1 & 9 do+ s ,i w fir/ beg9 on _! ma/]s1 = to make a good dog1 a good ma/] is also absolutely necess>y4 ,anybody t has ?\ght ab\t x kn[s t z is ! ma/]1 s is ! dog4 ,a quiet man has a quiet dog1 a qu>relsome man a qu>relsome dog1 a bright quick man a bright quick dog1 & a loaf+ idle ruffian a sl9k+ slo?ful cur4 ,fir/ ( all1 !n1 ! dog's ma/] mu/ und]/& dog talk2 = !y d talk1 & eloqu5tly too1 ) _! tongues1 _! e>s1 _! eyes1 _! legs1 _! tail1 & ev5 ) ! hairs on _! backs2 & !re=e don't be a/oni%$ if y f9d me say+ 9 ! foll[+ pages1 ,pepp] told me ?is1 or ,wasp said s-&-s4 ,:y1 ,i 0 once told by a bull t]ri] t a c\ntry policeman 0 a ?ief1 &1 act+ on in=mation receiv$1 ,i got ! man lock$ up 9 prison = ?ree mon?s1 & x j s]v$ him "r4 ,hav+ le>nt dog language1 use x to y\r dog 9 a reasonable way3 talk to him z a fri5d1 tell him ! news ( ! day1 ( y\r hopes & fe>s1 y\r likes & dislikes1 b above all use talk always 9 ! place ( a :ip4 ,= in/ance1 :5 break+ 9 a "y dog n to kill a f]ret1 take hold ( ! dog ) a %ort l9e1 put ! f]ret on ! gr\nd 9 front ( him1 & :5 he makes a da% at x say1 ,:at are y up to8 ,w> f]ret6 ,:y1 ,i gave f\r & sixp5ce = t1 y fool1 & n[ y want to kill x6 ,look "h 7pick+ ! f]ret up & fondl+ x71 ?is is "o ( my fri5ds4 ,smell x 7putt+ x ne> 8 nose74 ,diff]5t f a rat1 eh8 ,r sweet1 a9't x8 ,w> f]ret1 w> f]ret6 ,w\ld y1 y rascal8 ,a9't y a%am$ ( y\rself8 ,w> f]ret1 w> f]ret6 ,repeat ?is a few times = two or ?ree days1 & :5 y fir/ beg9 work+ ! dog & he is excit$ly wat*+ = a rat to bolt1 j say ,w> f]ret to him1 & he w be sure to und]/&4 ,%\ld he1 h[ev]1 9 8 excitem5t make a da% at a f]ret1 %\t at him to /op1 & !n1 pick+ up ! f]ret1 rub x ov] 8 face1 all ! "t scold+ him well = :at he has done2 b don't hit him1 & probably he w nev] look at a f]ret aga94 ,9 my op9ion !re is no?+ l a ?ra%+ to spoil a dog or a boy2 reason ) !m & talk to !m1 & if !y are wor? keep+ !y w und]/& & obey4 ,m9d1 a dog mu/ always obey1 & obey at ! fir/ ord]4 ,always give an ord] 9 a decid$ voice z if y meant x1 & nev] ov]look ! slighte/ disob$i5ce4 ,"o %ort :i/le %\ld always be en\gh4 ,if ! dog does n obey1 call him up &1 repeat+ ! :i/le1 scold him ) a scold 9 y\r voice4 ,don't %\t or bawl at him = all ! c\ntry to he> & ! rats too1 b j make y\r words /+4 ,if he repeats 8 (f5ce1 put a l9e & coll> on him & lead him = half an h\r1 tell+ him all ! "t :y y d s1 & he w be s a%am$ ( himself t ! *ances are he w obey y ev] aft]4 ,put y\rself 9 ! dog's place4 ,fancy if1 :5 y h kick$ a bit ov] ! traces at s*ool1 ! head-ma/]1 in/ead ( ?ra%+ y1 made y walk up & d[n ! playgr\nd or cricket-field ) him = half an h\r2 b no1 t w\ld be too awful2 x w\ld bord] on brutality6 ,b y w\ld n =get x 9 a hurry4 ,we humans (t5 behave well & d good1 n because x is our duty s to d1 b = :at ! _w w say & = ! praise we may get4 ,dogs are n 9 all ?+s sup]ior to humans1 & 9 ?is matt] ( praise ,i fe> !y are ev5 inf]ior to u4 ,!y mo/ de>ly love praise1 & a good dog %\ld always get x = any & e little s]vice he r5d]s to man4 ,rememb]1 he is ! only liv+ ?+ t takes a pleasure 9 work+ = man1 & 8 sole rew>d is man's approbation4 ,give x him1 !n1 & give x him hot & w>m :5 he des]ves x1 & he w be will+ to d any?+ = y & w sp5d 8 life wor%ipp+ y & work+ = y2 = bett]1 = worse1 = ri*]1 = poor]1 he is y\rs1 ) no sneak+ ?\ghts ( a divorce c\rt 9 ! backgr\nd4 ,!re is ano!r ?+ a ma/] %\ld always d = 8 dog himself & d x ) reason4 ,see to 8 com=t2 see t he has good food & wat] & is com=tably lodg$4 ,don't let him be ti$ up to a hateful k5nel 9 a back y>d1 bak$ by ! sun 9 summ] & ne>ly froz5 9 w9t]2 (t5 )\t wat]1 & ) food ?r[n into a di% t is already half full ( s\r & dirty rema9s ( ye/]day's d9n]4 ,?is is n reasonable & is cruel4 ,:5 he is n ) y1 %ut him up 9 a k5nel1 big or little1 made z ne>ly z y c h x on ! model ( a k5nel = h\nds4 ,let x be cool & airy 9 summ] & snug & w>m 9 w9t]2 keep all clean--k5nel1 food1 di%es1 wat] & b$s4 ,don't =get t diff]5t dogs h diff]5t requirem5ts2 = in/ance1 t a long ?ick coat$ dog w sleep ) com=t out 9 ! sn[1 :ile a %ort-coat$ "o w %iv] 9 a ?ick b$ ( /raw4 ,picture to y\rself1 z y tuck ! w>m blankets r\nd y on a cold w9t]s night1 :at y\r ?9-coat$ po9t] is und]go+ 9 a draughty k5nel on a b>e plank b$1 *a9$ up to a mis]y trap 9 ! back y>d1 :i* is half full ( drift$ sn[4 ,?9k ( x1 & get up & put ! dog 9 a sp>e loose box 9 ! /able = ! night1 & h a prop] k5nel made = him 9 ! morn+4 ,i once _h a fav\rite dog nam$ ,r\gh t di$ ( di/emp]4 ,a small *ild ask$ me a few days aft]w>ds if dogs :5 !y di$ w5t to heav51 & ,i1 n kn[+ bett]1 answ]$1 ,yes2 & ! *ild said1 ,won't ,r\gh wag 8 old tail :5 he sees me come 98 ,:5 y come 9 ,i hope !re w be all y\r dep>t$ dogs wagg+ _! tails to meet y4 ,x w dep5d ^u h[ y h treat$ !m "h2 b take my ^w = x1 my fri5d1 y w nev] be all[$ to pass t door if ! dogs b>k & gr[l at y4 ,don't suppose ,i am a s5tim5tal fat pug on a /r+ sort ( man4 ,next to humans ,i l dogs be/ ( all creatures4 ,:y1 ,i h made my liv+ by _! kill+ rats = me at twop5ce p] rat & ?ree p\nd a f>m1 & ,i am grateful3 b ,i l dogs 9 _! prop] place4 ,= in/ance1 z a rule1 ,i dislike a dog 9 ! h\se4 ,! h\se 0 meant = man & %\ld be kept = him4 ,i ?9k :5 a man goes indoors 8 dog %\ld be %ut up 9 ! k5nel & n be all[$ to w&] ab\t do+ mis*ief1 eat+ tra%1 le>n+ to loaf1 & "u no discipl9e4 ,n[ & !n ,i d all[ an old dog t has done a life's h>d "w to roam ab\t z he likes1 & ev5 walk into my /udy 7,i mean kit*57 & sit be=e ! fire & *at ) me2 b1 !n1 su* dogs h e/abli%$ *>act]s1 & no?+ c spoil !m2 besides1 !y are wise bea/s ) a va/ exp]i5ce1 & ,i c le>n a lot f !m4 ,x 0 f "o ( ^! ,i le>nt all ab\t ! prigg+ policeman4 ,a "y dog is nev] good = mu* :o is all[$ to run wild2 e "o is 8 ma/] & he obeys no "o1 & :5 he is tak5 out he is dull & /upid1 ?9k+ m ( ! kit*5 scraps ?an ( bus9ess4 ,no1 :5 ,i g to "w1 ,i l to let ! dogs out myself1 to see !m da% ab\t1 dance ar\nd1 jump up at me & b>k ) joy4 ,i l to see ! "y ones topple ea* o!r ov] 9 sport1 & ! old ones gallop on ahead to ! f\r crossways1 & /& !re wat*+ to see :i* way ,i am go+1 & !n1 :5 ,i give !m ! direction ) a wave ( ! h&1 bolt (f d[n ! road ) a wriggle ( cont5t4 ,y might tru/ y\r life to dogs 9 su* a joyful temp]1 = !y w\ld be sure to /& by y4 ,?ank y1 "y g5tlem52 t is en\gh = ?is morn+'s lesson4 ,y may n[ amuse y\rselves ) y\r ,ovid or ,euclid4 ,,*apt] ,,iii4 ,i am a work+ man1 or r h be5 till ,i got ! rheumatics1 & z su* ,i naturally /ick to my own class & pref] associat+ ) ^? ( my own sort1 & !re=e ,i always keep work+ dogs4 ,i h (t5 br$ ari/ocratic dogs1 dogs desc5d$ f great prize-w9n]s & ) long p$igrees1 & among !m ,i h _h "s good ones1 hone/ & true2 b z a rule ,i mu/ say my exp]i5ce proves t ! %ort] ! p$igree ! bett] ! dog1 & n[ if ,i c\ld get !m ,i %\ld l to keep dogs t nev] _h a fa!r4 ,"s p ,i "k call me a cad1 a clod1 a *aw-bacon1 etc41 & !y call my dogs curs & mongrels4 ,su* m5 talk nons5se & %\ld be kept specially to make spee*es dur+ ! recess4 ,i don't c>e to def5d myself b ,i mu/ /& up = my dogs aga9/ all com]s2 & ,i ass]t boldly t1 n9e times out ( t51 a dog ) no p$igree is wor? two ) a long "o4 ,:5 ,i get a new dog ,i nev] ask :o he is1 or :o 8 fa!r 01 b ,i g by 8 looks & 8 p]=mances4 ,!re are dogs l m5 9 all classes1 :o h ei!r a mean1 spiteful1 vici\s look1 or a dull1 heavy1 dead "o2 su* ,i avoid bo? 9 dog & man1 = ,i f9d !y are n wor? kn[+4 ,any o!r dog w d = me1 & ev5 n[1 ?\gh ,i don't (t5 g ratt+1 ,i h z good a lot z ev] /ood at a hole1 & ,i don't ?9k ,i c d bett] ?an describe !m z a guide to /ud5ts :5 !y come to gett+ a k5nel toge!r4 ,fir/ ( all1 ,i nev] give a lot ( money = a dog--h[ c ,i ) rats at twop5ce ea*8--b1 if ,i c1 ,i drop on a likely-look+ "y "o ab\t a ye> old :o 0 go+ to be put away on acc\nt ( ! tax4 ,i got ! olde/ ,i h n[ 9 ! k5nel 9 ?is way4 ,x foll[$ ,george ,adams1 ! c>ri]1 home "o night1 & to ?is day has nev] be5 claim$2 & :5 ! tax-collector spoke to him ab\t x1 he (f]$ x to me1 & ,i took x & gave x ! "n ( ,come-by-*ance1 b 9 ! family & among fri5ds %e is n[ call$ ,*ance4 ,if ,*ance is ( any family ,i %\ld ?9k h] "m 0 a sett] & h] fa!r a bob-tail %eep-dog2 b1 !n1 ,i c't make out :]e %e got h] legs6 ,%e is r$ & :ite1 ) a p]fect sett]'s head4 ,%e has ! h9d p>ts ( a %eep-dog & evid5tly nev] _h a tail2 & h] legs1 :i* are v ?ick1 w\ld be %ort = a big t]ri]4 ,su* are h] looks1 :i* c]ta9ly are n mu* to speak (2 b if ,i _h ! p5 ( a ,sir ,walt] ,scott ,i c\ld n d cr$it to ! p]fection ( h] "*4 ,= sev5 ye>s %e has be5 ! support ( my bus9ess1 & ,i c safely say %e has caus$ ! dea? ( m rats ?an all my o!r dogs put toge!r4 ,i say caus$1 = %e is sl[ at kill+ & leaves ?is matt] ( detail to y\ng] h&s4 ,if ano!r dog is n ne> %e w cat* a rat & ev5 kill x2 b %e has a s(t m\?1 & all ! o!r dogs1 except q ! y\nge/1 "k ?is1 &1 aga9/ ! rule1 w always da% 9 :5 %e has a rat 9 h] m\? & take x f h]1 & %e gives x up )\t a /ruggle4 ,no1 h] =te is to f9d a rat4 ,%e is always 9 & out1 up ! bank1 ?r\gh ! h$ge1 d[n ! bank2 n a tuft ( grass escapes h]1 & %e w\ld hunt d[n ea* side ( ,reg5t ,/reet & 9 & out ( ! c>riages if %e f\nd h]self !re4 ,%e lives hunt+4 ,no?+ ev] escapes h]2 "o sniff at ! deepe/ & mo/ turn-ab\t hole is en\gh4 ,if ! rat is n 91 on %e goes 9 a m9ute2 b %\ld x be ensconc$ deep d[n 9 ! fur!/ corn]1 %e /ops at once & j turns h] head r\nd & says quietly to me1 ,"h's "o4 ,!n1 :il/ ,i am gett+ out a f]ret1 ov] ! bank %e goes1 9 & out ! h$ge 9 all directions1 & nev] fails to f9d & m>k e bolt-hole = ! o!r dogs to /& at t belongs to ! "o :]e ! rat is4 ,z soon z ,i beg9 to put 9 ! f]ret1 %e w come ov] ! h$ge1 give h]self a %ake1 & sit d[n & wat* ! proce$+s1 n (f]+ to take a "p h]self1 z %e feels !re are m able dogs ready1 & t ?is is n h] /rong po9t4 ,suppose a rat bolts & is kill$ & ! f]ret comes out1 ,*ance w nev] leave ! hole till %e has tak5 a sniff at x to make sure all ! rats h be5 cle>$ out4 ,i h nev] kn[n h] make a mi/ake4 ,if %e says !re is a rat 91 !re is "o )\t any d\bt2 if %e says !re is n1 x is no good runn+ a f]ret ?r\gh ! hole4 ,%\ld ,i be alone1 ) no "o to look out = ! f]ret :5 x comes out on ! o!r side ( a bank1 ,*ance )\t a ^w be+ said to h] w get ov] & look out1 & directly ! f]ret appe>s w come back to me & give a wriggle1 look+ 9 ! direction ( ! f]ret1 & !n ,i "k ,i mu/ get ov] & pick x up4 ,%e has "o peculi>ity4 ,:5 %e foll[$ ,george ,adams home1 sev5 ye>s ago1 %e 0 %y & sc>$2 b1 z x 0 a cold night1 ,george1 be+ a k9d-he>t$ fell[1 invit$ h] to /ep indoors1 an invitation %e accept$ 9 a fright5$ sort ( way4 ,on ! he>? sat a little girl ( ?ree ye>s old1 eat+ h] supp]1 & ,*ance1 d\btless feel+ v hungry1 came & sat d[n 9 front ( h] & wat*$ h] ) a wi/ful look4 ,! *ild 0 n afraid & soon began fe$+ ! dog1 :o took ! pieces ( food mo/ g5tly f h] f+]s4 ,:5 ! *ild 0 tak5 up to b$1 ,*ance secretly foll[$1 & gett+ "u ! crib slept !re all night4 ,only once s9ce !n has ,*ance fail$ to sleep 9 t same place1 & t 0 ! fir/ night ,i _h h]4 ,%e 0 %ut up 9 ! k5nel & nev] /opp$ b>k+ all night4 ,s9ce !n %e has always foll[$ me home1 eat5 h] supp] at ! kit*5 door1 & !n gone (f to h] b$ "u ! crib4 ,e>ly 9 ! morn+ %e is aga9 at my door & nev] goes ne> ,george's h\se till b$-"t4 ,if ,*ance has no tail1 ! next dog on ! li/1 ,t9k]1 makes up ! av]age4 ,he is a little black1 h>d-coat$ dog1 ) ! head ( a greyh\nd & tail ( a foxh\nd4 ,8 head is ne>ly z long z 8 body1 & 8 tail is j a little long]4 ,9 all ways he is a pr(ici5t at rat-cat*+1 except t he has be5 kn[n to m>k a hole :]e !re 0 no rat2 b 8 /rong po9t is kill+4 ,he w /& well back f a hole1 & x does n matt] h[ _m rats bolt1 or h[ fa/1 ea* gets "o snap & is dead & dropp$ )\t ,t9k] hav+ mov$ a foot4 ,i nam$ him ,t9k]1 = a t9k] gave him to me cos he w>n't no sort ( wall]4 ,!n on my li/ next comes ,gr9dum1 a mongrel bull-t]ri]1 j ! t5d]e/ he>t$1 milde/ disposition$ dog t ev] kill$ a rat4 ,he has b a poor nose & is n clev]1 b he has "o /rong po9t1 :i* he develop$ = himself )\t be+ taught4 ,x is ?is3 :5 ,i am f]ret+ a ?ick hairy bank ) a big dit*1 ,gr9dum always goes "s t5 y>ds (f & places himself 9 ! dit*1 &1 let ! excitem5t be :at x w1 he nev] moves2 & %\ld a rat 9 ! ?ick grass escape ! o!r dogs & bolt d[n ! dit*1 x is a miracle if x does n die :5 x rea*es him4 ,i h bett] & clev]] dogs1 ,i "k2 b ,i ?9k ,gr9dum br+s 9 z _m twop5ces z any ( !m1 & we are n go+ to "p6 ,! way ,i got ,gr9dum is q a little hi/ory1 & ,i w tell x1 ?\gh if y boys l1 y c skip x & g on ) a m s]i\s "p ( y\r lesson4 ,n f> f :]e ,i liv$ !re 01 9 a mo/ out-(-!-way corn] on a common1 an old s&-pit1 & 9 ?is a mis]able dilapidat$ cottage1 consi/+ ( two rooms4 ,?is = "s ye>s _h be5 empty1 b "o f9e morn+ 0 discov]$ to be inhabit$ by a man1 8 wife & two *ildr5--a boy ( twelve & a girl ( sev5--& a bull-t]ri]4 ,no "o knew any?+ ab\t !m or :]e !y _h come f1 & :5 ! l&lord ( ! hut w5t to eject !m1 he f\nd !m 9 su* a mis]able half-/>v$ condition t he left !m alone4 ,our p>son call$ on !m ?ree times--! fir/ "t ! wife told him !y did n l /rang]s & p>sons 9 p>ticul>2 ! second "t ! husb& told him to cle> out %>p1 or he w\ld d him a mis*ief2 & ! ?ird "t ! man took up a knife & began %>p5+ x1 prep>atory1 he said1 to cutt+ ! p>son's ?roat6 ,two mon?s aft] ?is ! man1 aft] sitt+ dr9k+ 9 ! village pot-h\se all ! morn+1 /epp$ r\nd to an old mid-wife & ask$ h] to come & lay 8 wife out4 ,! woman w5t & did h] "w & said no?+ at ! "t1 b lat] on x 0 :isp]$ ab\t t %e _h told "s ( h] pals t ! poor crittur 0 black & blue1 & t x 0 on h] m9d t ! husb& _h murd]$ h]6 ,aft] ?is1 z ,i pass$ ! cottage1 ,i (t5 saw ! two *ildr5 sitt+ on a log ( wood outside1 ) ! bull-dog sitt+ betwe5 !m4 ,none ( ! ?ree ev] mov$ out2 all bl9k$ _! eyes at me z ,i pass$1 z if !y 7 unaccu/om$ to ! sight ( a fell[-creature4 ,two or ?ree mon?s pass$1 dur+ :i* ! man 0 con/antly dr9k+ at ! village public-h\se2 b he always left at sund[n--to look aft] ! kids1 he said4 ,!n !re 0 a poa*+ fray on a nobleman's e/ate ne>4 ,six keep]s came on five poa*]s "o moonlight night4 ,!re 0 a h>d fight1 & at la/ ! keep]s took two ( ! m5 & ! o!r ?ree bolt$1 b "o 0 recogniz$ z ! man f ! s&-pit & 0 want$ by ! police4 ,a few nights aft] ?is ,i 0 walk+ d[n a lane 9 ! d>k ne> my h\se1 :5 ! s&-pit man /epp$ out ( ! h$ge1 lead+ 8 dog by a cord1 & turn+ to me said1 ,"h1 ma/]1 if y want a good dog1 "h is "o = y2 ,i am (f to give myself up to ! police1 & ,i am go+ to turn que5's evid5ce aga9/ my pals4 ,i repli$ t ,i did n want su* a dog1 s he said1 ,all "r1 !n ,i'll cut 8 ?roat1 & !n & !re prep>$ to d s4 ,?is 0 m ?an ,i c\ld /&1 s ,i took ! cord & l$ ! dog away1 b be=e do+ s1 ,i ask$1 ,h[ ab\t y\r *ildr58 ,he gave a %ort laugh1 & said1 ,!y w\ld be prop]ly provid$ =4 ,x aft]w>ds turn$ out t soon aft] leav+ me he walk$ /raight into ! arms ( two policem51 :o sav$ him ! tr\ble ( giv+ himself up by tak+ him into cu/ody4 ,i l$ my new dog home & ti$ him up 9 ! corn] ( an op5 wood-%$1 giv+ him a bundle ( /raw & a di% ( bones1 & by ! />v$ look ( him ,i %\ld say ?is 0 ! bigge/ meal he _h ev] _h 9 8 life4 ,i sat up late t night read+1 & all ! "t 9 a remote corn] ( my m9d ! s&-pit man1 ! two *ildr5 & ! dog kept turn+ ab\t1 till at la/1 ab\t midnight or lat]1 ,i ?\ght ,i w\ld g to b$2 b be=e do+ s ,i made up my m9d t ,i w\ld see if my new dog 0 all "r4 ,i lit a lant]n & /epp$ out ( ! door & f\nd x 0 bl[+ & sn[+ & bit+ cold4 ,m]cifully ,i p]sev]$ & rea*$ ! wood-%$1 & :at ,i saw !re by ! light ( my lant]n did />tle me4 ,!re 0 ! bull-dog sure en\gh ly+ curl$ up 9 ! /raw bl9k+ h>d at me1 b--c\ld ,i believe my eyes8--!re ly+ ) him1 ) _! arms entw9$ r\nd ea* o!r & r\nd ! dog1 7 ! two *ildr5 f ! s&-pit fa/ asleep1 b look+ s pale & p9*$ ,i ?\ght !y mu/ be dead4 ,i w give place to no man liv+ at rat-cat*+ & m9d+ dogs1 b "h 0 a pretty mess1 = ,i am no good ) little *ildr52 s putt+ d[n my lant]n1 ,i hurri$ back to ! h\se & got two rugs & ) !m wrapp$ ! *ildr5 & dog up snugly4 ,!n ,i w5t 9 & woke up my wife1 :o _h already gone to b$1 & call$ "s o!r wom5 :o 7 9 ! h\se1 & aft] tell+ !m :at ,i _h f\nd1 ,i made up a big fire 9 ! kit*5 & put on "s wat] to boil4 ,9 a v few m9utes my wife 0 d[n/airs & battl+ h] way ) me (f to ! wood-%$4 ,i unti$ ! dog & mov$ him away f ! *ildr54 ,?is woke !m bo?1 & !y sat up & rubb$ _! eyes1 & ! poor boy appe>$ almo/ sc>$ to dea?1 b ! little girl 0 q quiet1 & only wat*$ 8 face ) a sad c>eworn old look :i* ,i pray ,i may nev] see on a *ild's face aga94 ,my wife is really sm>t ) little *ildr51 & 9 half no "t %e 0 on h] knees croon+ ov] !m1 & soon %e _h ! girl 9 h] arms2 b :5 ,i attempt$ to pick up ! boy he only scream$ & /ruggl$1 & kept call+ out1 ,gr9dum1 ,gr9dum6 ,i won't leave ,gr9dum4 ,i %all be kill$ if ,i leave ,gr9dum4 ,let me /ay ) ,gr9dum4 ,i assur$ him he %\ld n be sep>at$ f ,gr9dum nev] no m1 & at la/ ,i p>tially quiet$ him1 & he all[$ me to c>ry him into ! kit*5 & place him on a /ool 9 front ( ! fire ) 8 si/]1 :ile 8 belov$ ,gr9dum sat by 8 side bl9k+ z if no?+ unusual _h tak5 place1 & z if he _h done ! same ea* night = ! la/ ?ree mon?s & felt a little bor$ by x4 ,! fir/ ?+ to be done1 my wife said1 0 to fe$ ! *ildr51 & :ile %e & ! o!r wom5 busi$ ab\t gett+ x ready1 ,i sat & wat*$ !m4 ,bo? 7 rem>kably pretty2 bo? d>k1 ) f9ely cut features1 big eyes & ?ick s(t black hair2 b yet 9 diff]5t ways bo? _h some?+ sad ab\t !m4 ,! boy nev] sat /ill = a mom5t1 b kept glanc+ fe>fully at me1 !n at ! wom51 & !n at ! door1 z if he expect$ some?+ dreadful to happ51 & all ! "t kept grasp+ ! arm ( 8 little si/] ) "o h& z if = protection1 & cl++ to ! s(t sk9 ( ,gr9dum's neck ) ! o!r4 ,if he caught my eye1 or if ,i spoke to him1 he fl9*$ z if ,i _h /ruck him1 & turn$ livid & tugg$ s h>d at ,gr9dum's sk9 t ! poor dog's eyes 7 pull$ into m]e slits1 ?r\gh :i* ,i c\ld see he yet w5t on bl9k+ at ! fire4 ,! girl sat half turn$ r\nd to ! boy & nev] took h] eyes (f 8 face1 look+ ! v ess5ce ( womanly pity & love4 ,n[ & !n :5 he suff]$ f a p>oxysm ( fe>1 %e w\ld s(tly /roke 8 face1 :i* appe>$ to soo! him in/antly2 b no?+ %e c\ld d c\ld ev] /op ! wild re/less look 9 8 eyes or prev5t 8 glanc+ ab\t z if wat*+ = "s dreadful app>ition4 ,x 0 a sad1 sad picture1 made d\bly /rik+ by ! utt] /olidity & indiff]5ce ( t awful dog1 ,gr9dum4 ,soon hot bas9s ( bread & milk 7 prep>$1 :i* bo? *ildr5 eat rav5\sly1 & !n !y 7 put into /eam+ hot ba?s1 wa%$1 dri$1 comb$1 & wrapp$ 9 blankets2 b :5 we attempt$ to take !m up to ! nice w>m b$s t _h be5 prep>$ = !m1 !re 0 ! same wild t]rifi$ cry f ! boy = ,gr9dum2 & to pacify him ! dog _h to be tak5 up/airs ) !m1 & half an h\r lat]1 :5 my wife & ,i peep$ into ! room1 we saw ! two *ildr5 lock$ 9 ea* o!r's arms fa/ asleep1 ) ,gr9dum curl$ up on ! b$ next to ! boy1 yet bl9k+ horribly1 b p]fectly compos$ & mak+ himself at home4 ,h[ ^? two *ildr5 f\nd _! way t night ?r\gh a bl9d+ sn[-/orm to _! only liv+ fri5d1 ! de> bl9k+ ,gr9dum1 ,i nev] c\ld f9d out4 ,all ,i c\ld ev] get f ! boy 01 ,oh1 ,i always g :]e ,gr9dum goes6 & ! little girl c\ld only say1 ,jack took me4 ,my wife says angels guid$ !m4 ,maybe %e's "r1 b ,i h>dly ?9k angels w\ld be likely to g ab\t on su* a night2 /ill my wife w5t out 9 ! sn[ & w9d to ! %$ & got out ( h] snug b$ to d x1 b !n %e put on a pea jacket & clogs1 & t makes a diff]5ce4 ,?is is a tir+ long /ory to write1 & ,i h n q done x yet1 = ,i mu/ f9i% ) ! s&-pit man4 ,he 0 tri$1 convict$ & got ?ree ye>s4 ,a ye> aft] he _h be5 9 prison he tri$ to escape by gett+ ov] a high wall1 b 9 do+ s he fell f ! top & broke 8 back4 ,he l+]$ "s days & seem$ to f9d a pleasure 9 tell+ ! prison p>son ( all 8 misde$s & 9 boa/+ ( !m4 ,!re 0 a long li/1 b only ! la/ "p ( 8 /ory w s]ve = ! use ( s*ools4 ,x appe>s f :at he said t1 aft] he _h giv5 me ! dog1 he _h int5d$ to /eal back to 8 h\se & take ! two *ildr5 to a deep pond & !re dr[n !m4 ,!n1 free f family ties1 he hop$ to get away & %ip himself (f to ,am]ica4 ,he also said t 9 a fit ( rage he _h ?ra%$ 8 wife to dea? ) 8 fi/s1 & t 8 boy f hav+ se5 him d x _h gone mad ) fe>1 & 0 s bad1 especially at night1 t if he _h n got a bull-dog sleep+ ) him z a sort ( fri5d1 he w\ld g into a fit ) fe> & 0 (t5 unconsci\s = h\rs4 ,x 0 an ugly /ory1 & ,i am glad to say ) ! dea? ( ! s&-pit man ! mis]able "p ( ! *ildr5's life end$4 ,! girl is n[ twelve ye>s old & has nev] left u4 ,%e is z %>p z a ne$le & z hone/ z old ,*ance & z good4 ,%e is hav+ a good education1 ?anks to our ,rector's wife1 & c\ld if ne$ be e>n h] own livelihood1 b we are n go+ ev] to "p ) h]4 ,! boy ,jack 0 a great tr\ble to u at fir/4 ,= mon?s he w\ld n be p>t$ = a mom5t1 day or night1 f ,gr9dum1 & ! dog actually _h to g to s*ool ) him2 b ! ma/] utt]ly fail$ to tea* ! boy ev5 z f> z ,a ,b ,c 9 8 alphabet1 & ! dog n to bl9k2 & s1 "o f9e day1 ,i _h bo? return$ on my h&s z hopeless ignoramuses4 ,i c\ld n keep a bl9k+ dog at home 9 idl5ess1 s ,i took him ) me ratt+1 & z ,jack w\ld n be p>t$ f ! dog1 he _h to come too4 ,ev]yone says ! boy is crack$4 ,he is que]1 ,i w all[1 b if y w f9d me a bett] h& at rat-cat*+ 9 all its bran*es1 ,i %\ld l to look at him2 & besides1 if ,jack is crack$1 !n ,i l crack$ boys1 = ,i nev] came across "o m ob$i5t1 m tru?ful1 or m /eady1 & ,i f9d him a p]fect treasure on ! o!r side ( ! bank at ! bolt holes4 ,jack nev] m5tions ! pa/1 & ,i %\ld be incl9$ to ?9k he _h =gott5 x1 only if he is p>t$ f ,gr9dum = a %ort "t he becomes wild look+ ab\t ! eyes aga9 & re/less4 ,at su* times 8 si/]1 :o mo!rs him mu*1 w sit by him & /roke 8 face s(tly1 :5 he w quickly recov] himself4 ,i don't "k :at w happ5 :5 ,gr9dum bl9ks 8 la/1 b ! boy beg9s to foll[ me ab\t & seems to cl+ to me1 & by t "t ,i hope ,i %all be s well lik$ by him t ,i may take ,gr9dum's place4 ,j two words m ab\t ,gr9dum & ,i h done4 ,"o is t ! fir/ "t ,gr9dum caught a rat1 he pick$ x up by its h9d leg1 & ! rat made its tee? meet ?r\gh 8 nose4 ,he s(tly put ! rat d[n & x escap$1 & ,i made my sides a*e & greatly a/oni%$ all ! o!r dogs by laugh+ at ?is great s(t bea/ z he sat on 8 haun*es lick+ ! blood z x trickl$ f 8 nose1 & />+ up into ! sky ) a f>-(f vacant look1 bl9k+ worse ?an ev]4 ,! o!r ^w is ?is4 ,?\gh ,gr9dum is a bull-dog ) an awful ,cru% y\r bones1 te> y\r fle% look1 he is j ! g5tle/-he>t$ bea/ out1 & !re is n a puppy 9 ! k5nel1 nor a *ild 9 ! village1 :o does n "k ?is & impose on him %amefully4 ,only la/ ,sunday ,i _h to /op a small *ild ( five f driv+ (f 9 a f\r-:eel$ c>t1 us+ ,gr9dum z a horse4 ,once1 & once only1 ,gr9dum %[$ 8 temp]4 ,a big l\t 9 ! village ?rew a /one at him4 ,gr9dum only bl9k$1 b ,jack saw x & hit ! l\t1 :o be+ twice ,jack's size turn$ ^u him & knock$ him d[n4 ,9 half a m9ute ,gr9dum's tee? _h met ?ree times 9 ! l\t's calves & 8 tr\s]s requir$ reseat+1 & 9 ?ree-qu>t]s ( a m9ute ,gr9dum 0 sitt+ d[n ) a bl& expression ( c\nt5ance1 bl9k+ ) bo? eyes at ! sky4 ,n[ to cont9ue my lesson on ratt+ dogs4 ,i h two o!rs1 ,pepp] & ,wasp--"o a badly br$ spaniel1 & ! o!r a t]ri] ( d\btful p>5tage4 ,!y are bo? nice *e]ful "y dogs t x is a pleasure to see ei!r at play or "w1 b !y are yet "y & too apt to get excit$ & wild4 ,!y w1 :5 a rat is out ( 8 hole1 9 a h$ge1 da% up & d[n ! entire l5g? ( ! field1 mak+ enorm\s jumps 9 ! air1 dur+ :i* "t !y li/5 ke5ly = ! ru/le ( ! rat 9 ! grass2 & once1 b only once1 ,pepp] gave a yap :5 s ru%+ ab\t1 b ,i spoke to him s sev]ely ab\t ?is disgu/+ly l[ habit t he has nev] done x aga94 ,wasp is specially good at wat]1 & ,i h taught him to come to me directly a rat is bolt$ ) a plunge into a pond1 & ,i c>ry h] high up 9 my arms r\nd ! pond1 & :5 ! rat approa*es ! side1 ,wasp f h] high vantage gr\nd w dive d[n ^u x & h x 9 an in/ant4 ,bo? dogs are quick kill]s & w1 ,i am sure1 9 "t be p]fect2 b z yet ,i d n ?9k myself ju/ifi$ 9 putt+ !m into a high] class ) su* dogs z ,*ance & ,t9k]4 ,!re6 t is all = to-day1 "y g5tlem54 ,resume y\r ,cic]o1 &1 :ile y are prep>+ x1 ,i w g to my room & look ov] ! impositions ,i set y ye/]day4 ,x is und]/ood t = look ov] impositions we may read1 ,smoke cav5di% 9 a %ort black pipe4 ,,*apt] ,,iv4 ,:at d y say1 boys8 ,%all we drop ?is & h a day's outdoor practice8 ,to tell ! tru?1 ,i don't ?9k mu* ( book-le>n+1 especially if ! book is writt5 by myself2 b ,i d believe 9 practice4 ,come along6 ,x is ! middle ( ,octob]--j ! nice/ "t ( ! ye> & ! v be/ = ratt+1 = ! v]m9 are yet out 9 ! h$ges1 f9e & /rong f fe$+ 9 ! corn1 & ) few "y ones ab\t4 ,come1 ,jack1 we'll get ! f]rets fir/2 & (f ,i g ) ! boy to ! hut*1 :ile ! dogs 9 ! k5nel1 hav+ he>d our /eps & p]fectly und]/&+ :at is up1 b>k & yap at ! door1 jump ov] ea* o!r1 tumble & topple ab\t l mad fi5ds4 ,be=e ,i get to ! box ,i he> ! f]rets jump+ up at ! sides1 & :5 ,i op5 ! lid half a doz5 are out 9 a mom5t1 & ^! ,i bag z a rew>d = _! activity4 ,i ?r[ ! o!rs a rat to console !m = be+ left at home1 &1 giv+ ! f]rets to ,jack1 ,i /rap on a big game bag1 take up my spade1 return & let ! dogs out1 & (f we />t4 ,/ep out quick1 ,jack2 !re are ?ree miles to g be=e we get to "w1 & x is #h a4m4 & ,i expect a big day4 ,yes1 ,*ance1 old lady1 a f9e day--a p]fect day--a day to make bo? ! feet & ! he>t light & e human s5se rejoice4 ,!re has be5 j a little fro/ 9 ! night3 y c see t by ! way ! elms h spread a gold5 c>pet "u _! bran*es 9 ! lane & by _! leaves t yet keep fall+ sl[ly "o by "o 9 ! fre%1 b dead /ill1 air1 & by ! smell ( ! turnips1 ! fre% /ubble & ! newly turn$ e>? beh9d yond] pl\gh4 ,! sun %9es1 cobwebs are float+ ?r\gh ! air & get twi/$ r\nd "o's head1 & f> & ne> s\nds su* z a c>t on ! high road1 a %eep dog b>k+1 a boy s++1 birds *irp+1 insects humm+1 ! patt] ( our own feet1 & ! :isp]+ ( ! brook "u ! bridge1 all =m "p ( a *orus heav5-s5t to gladd5 ! he>t ( man4 ,i h he>d tell1 ,*ance1 or ,i h se5 x 9 a book1 or ,i h felt x myself1 ,i don't q "k :i*1 t ^? :o 9 y\? h _h su* a walk z ?is1 & h he>d ! music1 smelt ! p]fumes & se5 ! sights 7t is if !y 7 bless$ ) eyes to see1 e>s to he>1 & he>ts to take 971 h nev] =gott5 x4 ,! memory appe>s = a "t to pass away amid/ ! /ruggles ( life1 b x is nev] dead2 to ! soldi] 9 battle1 to ! /atesman 9 c\ncil1 or ! prie/ 9 pray]s1 to ^? 9 sorr[ or 9 joy or 9 sickness1 !re may come1 no "o kn[s f :]e1 no "o kn[s :y1 a gold5 memory ( su* days1 ( su* a walk4 ,p]haps x is only a gleam re/+ b a second ^u ! m9d1 & p]haps leav+ x sadd5$ ) a long+ = days t are pa/1 b yet ,i ?9k mak+ "o feel a bett] man1 giv+ "o c\rage & hope1 rem9d+ "o t1 h>d z ! battle ( life may be to fight1 d>k & gloomy z ! days may be j n[1 ano!r morn+ may arise = u1 f>1 f> m bright & glori\s & joyful1 "o t w n be %ad[$ ov] by a return+ night2 b !n t is only = ! brave1 ! hone/1 ! tru?ful--= ^? :o are up e>ly & /rive late1 nev] beat51 nev] d\bt+1 always press+ =w>d4 ,b1 come out ( t1 ,wasp6 ,don't y "k t c[s kick if y sniff at _! heels8 ,t9k]1 old man1 keep y\r spirits up2 ,pepp]1 come back f t wood1 = x is pres]v$4 ,yes1 ,jack1 ,i ?9k ,i'll fill my pipe aga94 ,baccy does ta/e good on a day l ?is2 b :at doesn't8 ,i feel l a t5-ye>-old & z fit z a fiddl]4 ,gr9dum1 give ov] bl9k+ & don't look s b5evol5t4 ,no1 ,*ance1 no1 old lady1 ,i c't pull y\r tail1 = y hav5't got "o4 ,:at1 ,jack1 y say ,i hav5't spok5 = ! pa/ mile8 ,well1 ,i suppose ,i h be5 ?9k+1 & my ?\ghts h n be5 :olly sad ones4 ,op5 ! gate2 "h we are2 & y get ov] on ! o!r side ( ! h$ge & don't talk or make a noise1 = ,i c see by ! "w ! rats s-w-a-r-m4 ,/eady1 dogs1 /eady6 ,& s we />t4 ,! h$ge is j :at x %\ld be1 & if x _h be5 made = ratt+ x c\ld n be bett]4 ,a r\nd bank ( s(t e>?1 a %all[ dit* ) grass1 little bu% or bramble1 & a gap e few y>ds4 ,!re is a gateway 9 ! middle1 :i* w make a hot corn] lat] on :5 ,gr9dum has tak5 8 /& !re2 & !re is a pipe "u ! gateway1 ! f> end ( :i* ,i %all close4 ,! rats h nev] be5 di/urb$1 = ! runs are z fre% z ,ox=d ,/reet1 & ,i h already se5 "o or two rats run into ! h$ge l[] d[n f out ! :eat /ubble1 &1 !re6 t :i/le has s5t a lot m 94 ,/eady1 ,wasp6 ,well done1 ,*ance2 y h m>k$ "o 9 t hole ne> y1 or m ?an "o1 is !re8 ,well1 ! m ! m]ri]6 ,/&1 dogs1 /&6 ,are y ready1 ,jack8 ,& 9 goes a f]ret z lively z quicksilv] & z fi]ce z a tig]4 ,= a m9ute all is quiet2 !n a slight /ir on ! o!r side & two snaps ( ,t9k]'s lant]n-jaws1 & two rats dead2 ?ree o!rs out ( a side hole are kill$ by ,wasp1 & ?ree o!rs acc\nt$ = by ,gr9dum1 & t fool ,pepp] is rac+ & jump+ d[n ! h$ge a mile (f4 ,:i/le6 :i/le6 & back he comes1 & at t mom5t ,jack picks up a f]ret on ! o!r side1 x hav+ gone ?r\gh ! hole4 ,*ance sniffs at x & says x is swept cle>1 & ,i block x up ) my heel1 & ,jack does ! same to ! bolt-hole1 s t if a rat does come back lat] on ! dogs w h a *ance2 & !n on we g a few y>ds to ! next hole :i* ,*ance m>ks4 ,?is "t ! f]ret w5t 9 l a lion & came out l a lamb1 ) ! blood runn+ out ( ! side ( its face2 & :il/ ,i am exam9+ ! bite1 a real patri>* rat bolt$ at a side hole ne> ,pepp]1 :o /rikes at x1 misses tak+ a prop] hold & gets x too f> back1 & ! next mom5t ! blood is p\r+ f a bite above 8 eye2 b ! rat is dead1 & ,pepp] b little ! worse4 ,i ?\ght x 0 too late 9 ! ye> = "y ones1 b x 0 n1 = at ! next hole we came to ! f]ret got into a ne/1 kill$ a lot ( "y ones & laid up1 &1 z ,i _h n a box-trap ) me1 ,i _h to dig x out4 ,?is took "s "t1 z ,i lo/ ! hole1 & ,jack1 :il/ d[n grubb+ ) 8 h&s1 broke into a wrong "o 9 :i* ! old rat 0 ready = him1 & at once bit him ?r\gh ! end ( 8 f+]4 ,jack suck$ x well & did n m9d1 b ,i did n mu* l ! appe>ance ( ?+s1 = 9 half-an-h\r ,i _h _h a f]ret laid up1 & a dog & a boy bitt5 badly by rats1 & ^! bites are (t5 v poison\s4 ,=tunately ?is "t ,jack took no h>m & 0 soon well4 ,z soon z ,jack pull$ 8 h& out ( ! rat's hole1 ,p9*] put 8 long nose 91 & all 0 ov] 9 a m9ute4 ,soon aft] ,i came on ! f]ret curl$ up 9 a ne/ ( "y rats1 all m9us _! heads2 & s t f]ret1 f be+ gorg$ ) food1 0 no m good = "w1 & _h to be put away ) ! bitt5 "o4 ,aft] ?is we got on mu* fa/]2 ! holes 7 close toge!r1 & ev5 ) ! greate/ c>e lots ( rats bolt$ & w5t =w>d1 b ,i w\ld n all[ ! dogs to di/urb fre% gr\nd by foll[+ !m4 ,"s w5t back1 & ,pepp] & ,wasp _h a good "t1 = ,i let !m foll[ & "w !m alone1 hav+ /opp$ all back holes aft] f]ret+ !m4 ,n[ & !n1 ,jack & ,i _h to g back1 z !re 0 an old poll>d tree cov]$ ) ivy1 & _m ( ! rats got up t1 & ,p9*] _h to be lift$ up into ! cr[n to displace !m1 & !n :5 !y jump$ d[n1 ?ree or f\r at a "t1 !re 0 a gr& scrimmage4 ,:5 we _h got tw5ty y>ds or s f ! gateway1 ,gr9dum w5t =w>d & /ood !re & kill$ a doz5 rats t tri$ to pass1 & a lot m w5t into ! pipe "u ! roadway4 ,^! we left alone1 only aft] we _h pass$ we /opp$ up ! op5 end & op5$ ! %ut "o1 s t 9 future rats go+ back might wait quietly 9 ! ar* till we 7 ready = !m4 ,by ! "t we _h got z f> z ! gate x 0 j noon1 s we call$ ! dogs back to a tree we _h pass$1 & !n ,jack & ,i sat d[n & paid att5tion to ! game bag1 :i* 0 well provid$ ) cold meat & bread & *eese & a bottle ( be]4 ,i am n a good h& at picnics & nev] 04 ,i mean ^? big ga!r+s ) ladies1 lob/] salad1 hot di%es1 plates1 knives1 spoons1 *ampagne1 etc4 ,i f9d ! r\nd _w 0 creat$ a little too l[ d[n to sit ^u ) com=t2 my knees don't make a good table2 flies get into my be] & hopp+ ?+s into my plate4 ,i h to get up & h& eatables ab\t2 ?+s bite me1 & m creep ab\t me1 & x does n look well to scrat*4 ,! ho/ess looks anxi\s ab\t h] glass & plate2 someone has =gott5 ! salt1 & "s "o else ! corkscrew4 ,! ho/1 be he ev] s sad1 makes fun1 & made fun is magnifi$ mis]y to me4 ,no1 ,i don't l picnics2 ,i w\ld r be at home & fe$ ^u a table2 & yet a snack at noon-day1 aft] h>d "w1 sitt+ "u a tree1 ) y\r h&s z plates1 ) a good %ut-knife1 a sil5t companion & ! dogs all r\nd y1 is pleasant4 ,d\ble ,gl\ce/] !n equals ,/ilton1 & bottl$ be] nect>2 & !n ! pipe 9 quiet1 :ile ,jack takes ! dogs1 aft] !y h f9i%$ ! scraps1 to ! pond to dr9k4 ,talk ( ,havanas6 ,well1 talk ( !m1 b give me t pipe z ,i loll1 half asleep1 re/+ aga9/ ! tree1 my legs spread out1 & my hat tipp$ ov] my nose4 ,i half close my eyes & g ne>ly to sleep1 b keep pull+ at ! pipe1 & half unconsci\sly he> ! leaves :isp]+ above1 ! insects humm+1 ! /ubble ru/l+1 ! trembl+ ( a ?ra%+ ma*9e1 & ! ru% ( a tra9 9 ! f> di/ance4 ,jack returns f ! pond1 ?r[s himself on ! gr\nd on 8 face1 kicks 8 legs 9 ! air & :i/les s(tly1 ) ! g5tle ,gr9dum bl9k+ beside him4 ,*ance & ,t9k] lie out full l5g? on _! sides & g to sleep4 ,wasp /ret*es on ! gr\nd1 ) h] legs out beh9d h]1 & drags h]self ab\t ) h] front feet4 ,pepp] sits d[n1 scrat*es 8 e>1 & !n da%es at a pass+ bumble bee1 & all becomes a pleasant jumble ( sights & s\nds2 b1 ) a />t1 ,i recov] myself1 drop my pipe1 topple my hat (f & lose my temp]1 = t ev]la/+ly re/less1 volatile1 good-=-no?+1 ram%ackly bea/1 ,pepp]1 has be5 & lick$ me all up ! side ( ! face6 ,! dream1 ! quiet1 ! re/ is all brok51 s1 jump+ up1 ,i tip my pipe out on ! heel ( my boot1 give a /ret*1 grasp ! spade1 & (f we g to f9i% our job4 ,= ?ree h\rs we "w our way on1 & a l9e ( dead rats on ! headl& m>ks our progress1 till at la/ we rea* ! bottom ( ! field & our bank is done4 ,pepp] has got ?ree m bites1 ano!r f]ret is done = by a nip on ! nose1 & ,jack has torn 8 tr\s]s & is v dirty2 b !re is yet ! dra9 pipe "u ! gate to att5d to1 & x is gett+ on 9 ! day4 ,i cut ?ree or f\r long /icks & tie !m tightly toge!r1 & !n to ! end ( ?is fa/5 a good h>d bun* ( grass1 & back we g to ! dra94 ,i g to "o end ) ,gr9dum & ,p9*]1 :il/ ,jack takes ! /icks1 ,pepp] & ,wasp to ! o!r end1 & g5tly & sl[ly %oves ! /icks ?r\gh4 ,two v5turesome rats bolt at my end & are kill$4 ,:5 ! /icks appe> ,i grasp !m & gradually draw ! :isp ( grass into ! dra94 ,x fits tight & takes "s pull+1 b x comes /eadily along1 wip+ all be=e x4 ,fa/] & fa/] ! rats bolt & are kill$1 & ev5 old ,*ance1 :o began by wat*+ u1 gets excit$ & jo9s ! sport4 ,pepp] & ,wasp da% 9 = a la/ worry1 :i* is ov] 9 a few m9utes1 :5 tw5ty-f\r rats are ca/ by ,jack up on to ! bank4 ,well done1 dogs6 well done1 good dogs6 ,woo-hoop1 woo-hoop6 ,good dogs6 ,t's ! way1 my boys6 ,woo-hoop6 woo-hoop6 ,& ! dogs roll on ! gr\nd1 /ret*1 wipe ! dirt out ( _! eyes ) _! paws1 & rub _! faces 9 ! grass4 ,jack goes backw>ds & =w>ds & collects ! spoil1 & we c\nt up sev5ty-?ree real beauties1 a few ( :i* ,i really ?9k %\ld be f\rp5ny bea/s1 !y are s big4 ,nev] m9d1 sev5ty-?ree rats at twop5ce ea* comes to twelve & twop5ce--n su* a bad day's "w2 &1 ,jack1 y %all h a hot supp] to-night2 & oh1 y dogs1 y dogs1 ?9k ( ! supp] ,i w give y6 ,bones ) lots ( meat on1 oatmeal & su* s\p6 ,?9k ( x1 dogs6 ?9k ( x6 ,& s ! "w ends1 & all are happy & cont5t$4 ,?ree miles d[n turn+ twi/+ lanes to rea* home1 ,gr9dum & ,i fir/1 !n ,jack1 & ! re> br\ght up by ! long & n[ a little droop+ tail ( ,t9k]4 ,all h _h en\gh2 ev5 ! volatile "y ,pepp] trots sl[ly1 & !re=e looks ev] s mu* m bus9ess-l4 ,be=e we />t ! %ades are fall+1 & z we trudge along nature's ev5+ vesp]s speak ( ! clos+ day4 ,workm5 sitt+ sideways on quiet h>ness$ c>t-horses /ump pa/ ) a fri5dly ,good night1 neighb\r1 good night6 ,wom5 ) *ildr5 9 g-c>ts bu/le pa/ 9 a hurry to get home & fet* up ! supp]4 ,f>m horses are dr9k+ 9 ! pond or br[s+ on ! rank grass at ! side2 sp>r[s are *att]+ 9 ! old ald] bu% be=e go+ to b$ 9 ! ivy on ! *ur*2 pigs 9 ! home/ead are call+ = _! supp]2 ! c[s pass u com+ home to be milk$2 rooks fly /eadily to ! old elm trees ne> ! ,manor2 & a rob9 pipes cle> & %rill on ! ro( ( ! %$ 9 ! cottage g>d54 ,!re are p>tridges call+ out *eap :eat 9 ! /ubble1 & pewits cry+ on ! mead[s4 ,cock pheasants noisily flutt] up to roo/ 9 ! firs1 & ! old doctor /&+ at 8 door makes s(t music ) 8 viol94 ,! p>son jo9s u & has a *e]y ^w = all1 especially ! dogs1 :o are all 8 p]sonal fri5ds2 & s we jog on & rea* ! village1 :]e ! wood smoke rises /raight 9 a blue cl\d f ! cottage *imneys1 & ! fire light s5ds a ruddy gleam across ! roads4 ,gr\ps ( m5 & boys /& ab\t re/+1 little *ildr5 race & play1 & oh1 su* a delici\s :iff ( some?+ /ew+1 ) a little bit ( onion 9 x1 comes f ! op5 door ( ! village ale-h\se6 ,& ?is rem9ds u all t our supp]s are ne>1 & we f9i% ! ev5+'s walk q briskly4 ,no ne$ to say1 ,k5nel1 dogs1 k5nel6 ,all g 9 ( _! own accord1 & 9 five m9utes are busy at _! sav\ry-smell+ hot supp]4 ,! f]rets are f$ & lock$ up1 & !n1 unlac+ our boots at ! back door & kick+ !m (f1 ! day is done4 ,supp]1 re/ & quiet1 a pipe1 a book1 b$ & happy dreams are all be=e u4 ,n[1 ,crok]1 m9or1 y w g to ! ,doctor's /udy be=e s*ool to-morr[4 ,y h be5 mo/ inatt5tive1 & x is n ! fir/ "t ,i h _h occasion to speak to y4 ,y c g n[1 b don't =get t ?is is tub night1 z y all h done on ! la/ f\r occasions4 ,if ,i h fur!r compla9ts on ?is head f ! matron1 ,i %all take y all out = a long day's rat-cat*+1 s ,i advise y all to be v c>eful4 ,five m9utes lat] ?is ma/] is smok+ 9 8 room & says to ano!r ma/] :o is do+ ! same1 ,i say1 ,potts1 d y "k ,i ?9k ^! new lessons on rat-cat*+ are all v well1 b ,i ?9k !y are beyond ! capacity ( s*oolboys4 ,:y1 !y /ra9 my m9d1 & ,i ?9k !y %\ld only be tak5 up at ! univ]sities & dur+ ! la/ t]m2 & !n ! boys d s hate !m1 etc4 ,,*apt] ,v4 ,crok]1 m9or1 h y be5 up to ! head-ma/]8 ,yes8 ,!n sit /ill & don't fidget4 ,boys1 pick up y\r books on rat-cat*+1 & we w resume ye/]day's task4 ,! la/ *apt] treats ( a prime day's rat-cat*+1 :]e rats 7 num]\s & kn[n to be num]\s2 b don't suppose all days are l ?is1 = if y d y w be sadly disappo9t$1 & y w h a lot to le>n1 = !re are days1 & v pleasant days too1 :5 y w h to walk mile aft] mile to f9d a rat1 & ev5 !n n be successful2 b y w be out ( doors 9 ! fre% air1 ) devot$ companions & some?+ fre% to see at e /ep1 if y keep y\r eyes op54 ,don't get di%e>t5$1 & above all ?+s nev] say1 ,oh1 x is no good look+ "h or look+ !re = a rat2 !re is sure n to be "o4 ,come on & don't wa/e "t4 ,y (t5 f9d !m 9 ! mo/ unexpect$ places4 ,i once w5t ?ree times to ! h\se ( an old lady1 be+ s5t = because !re 0 a rat t came ea* night & took h] h5's eggs & c>ri$ (f "y ducks & *ick5s4 ,i sp5t h\rs look+ = x 9 h$ges1 dit*es1 %$s1 out-h\ses & /able1 & ev5 put ,t9k] up on ! ro( ( all ! build+s1 ?9k+ ! assass9 might be "u ! tiles2 b x 0 no g4 ,night aft] night ! plund]] came1 & ,i began to see t ! old lady did n ?9k mu* ( me4 ,at la/1 "o aft]noon1 ,i call$ aga9 & began op]ations by ask+ to h a dog t 0 ti$ up to a k5nel 9 a back y>d l$ away1 z 8 b>k+ di/urb$ my dogs4 ,?is 0 done1 & a m9ute aft]w>ds ,*ance 0 sidl+ r\nd ! k5nel1 /ak+ h] reputation ^u ! rat be+ "u x4 ,i got out a f]ret & look$ r\nd ! k5nel1 & 0 utt]ly disgu/$ to f9d x 0 plac$ firmly on h>d gr\nd )\t a ve/ige ( a hole4 ,i am sorry to say ,i w5t s f> z to sne] at ,*ance & tell h] %e did n "k ! diff]5ce betwe5 a dog & a rat4 ,%e h]self = a mom5t seem$ 9 d\bt1 b ! next %e w5t inside ! k5nel & /ood at a hole 9 ! plank floor4 ,i put ! f]ret back 9 ! bag &1 tak+ hold ( ! k5nel1 tilt$ x up1 & 9 an in/ant ! dogs _h a vici\s-look+ old mon/] dead4 ,n[ ! only possible way t rat c\ld h got 9 & out ( 8 h\se 0 by pass+ ! dog z he slept1 & yet ! old lady & h] g>d5] assur$ me t ! dog 0 z ke5 z mu/>d aft] rats4 ,i once kill$ a rat inside a *ur*4 ,i f\nd x dur+ a long s]mon1 b = ! life ( me ,i c't rememb] :at t s]mon 0 ab\t4 ,i 0 sitt+ 9 a seat opposite ab\t a score ( village s*ool *ildr51 & sudd5ly ,i 0 /ruck by _! appe>ance1 & ! ?\ght pass$ ?r\gh my m9d1 ,h[ l humans are to dogs6 ,:y1 ^? *ildr5 look j l my dogs :5 !y f9d a rat1 especially t flax5-hair$ girl ) a front too? out4 ,!n ,i notic$ t !y 7 all look+ 9 "o direction1 & s ,i look$ !re too & saw a rat sitt+ ) j its nose out ( a hole :i* ran "u ! brick floor1 app>5tly li/5+ to ! s]mon4 ,! next morn+ ! p>son & ,i w5t to ! *ur*4 ,i took "o f]ret & only ,t9k]4 ,i *ose ,t9k] because he 0 black & r cl]ical look+4 ,! rat 0 at home1 & we _h x 9 five m9utes4 ,?is 0 "o ( ! few times ,i ev] did rat-cat*+ ) my hat (f1 & x felt v que]4 ,aga91 ,i once kill$ a "m rat & a lot ( "y ones :i* ,i f\nd 9 ! /uff+ ( a spr+ s(a 9 a sp>e b$room at an old manor-h\se4 ,!re 7 rats 9 ! walls1 & ,m>y ,ann _h (t5 se5 a rat 9 ! room :5 %e w5t 9 to du/1 & x _h giv5 h] su* a turn4 ,?is "t ,i took all ! dogs ) me1 & we 7 foll[$ by ! lady ( ! h\se1 f\r dreadfully pretty daught]s & ,m>y ,ann4 ,madam & ,m>y ,ann got on ! s(a1 /&+1 & ! f\r daught]s /ood on f\r *airs r\nd ! room4 ,all six clasp$ _! clo!s tight r\nd _! ankles--:y1 ,i nev] c\ld ?9k4 ,?is 0 ! only "t 9 h] life t ,i ev] f\nd ,*ance a fool4 ,directly %e got into ! room1 %e wriggl$ & twi/$1 turn$ h] head ?is way & t1 ?rew h]self on h] back & fairly grovell$4 ,wasp1 ,pepp]1 & ! long-tail$ ,t9k] 7 ne>ly z bad1 & x 0 pla9 to see !y 7 %y & ba%ful 9 su* a gorge\s room & surr\nd$ by su* a galaxy ( beauty4 ,x 0 ! s(t-he>t$ ,gr9dum :o sav$ u2 he bl9k$ mu*1 b directly ,i said1 ,hie r\nd1 dogs6 ,hunt him up6 ,se>* him out6 he w5t to "w--up on ! b$1 r\nd ! room1 beh9d ! furniture1 & at la/ began sniff+ r\nd ! s(a4 ,i got hot all ov]1 = ,i ?\ght he 0 mi/ak+ an ari/ocratic lady & h] h&-maid = rats2 b no1 at la/ he w5t "u ! s(a1 & turn+ ov] on 8 back began to scrat* at ! und]side ( x up above him4 ,madam & ,m>y ,ann jump$ (f1 & ! latt] felt ano!r turn2 !n bo? took refuge on *airs & aga9 clasp$ _! clo!s tight r\nd !m4 ,i turn$ ! s(a up on its back1 & !re ?r\gh ! sack+ ne> a leg ,i f\nd a nice r\nd hole into ! int]ior among ! spr+s4 ,i put a f]ret 91 & 9 a m9ute !re 0 a ru% & scuffle1 ! s(a seem$ alive1 & !n ?ree or f\r small rats bolt$ out & 7 acc\nt$ =2 ano!r squeak & ru%1 & out came ! "m & 0 quickly dispat*$2 !n1 z ! f]ret did n come out1 ,i ripp$ ! sack+ & f\nd x eat+ a delici\sly t5d] "y rat4 ,i bagg$ ! f]ret1 & :ile ,i did s1 ,gr9dum kill$ ?ree or f\r small ones4 ,i aft]w>ds f\nd t ! rats _h eat5 ?r\gh ! wa9scot & s got into ! room4 ,! re/ ( ! aft]noon 0 sp5t 9 turn+ ov] all sorts ( furniture1 includ+ b$s1 & hunt+ ?r\gh ea* room ) ! dogs2 b we f\nd no m rats z inside lodg]s4 ,?ree or f\r mon?s aft] ?is episode1 rats sw>m$ 9 ! walls ( ?is same h\se & beh9d ! wa9scot+1 & my pr(essional s]vices 7 call$ 9 to get rid ( !m4 ,h[ !y got into ! h\se ,i nev] discov]$1 = !re 7 no holes f ! outside1 & no creep]s on ! walls = !m to m\nt by & get on to ! ro(2 ! dra9s did n appe> to communicate ) ! inside ( ! h\se1 & all ! doors fitt$ tight4 ,equally puzzl+ 0 x1 n[ t !y 7 inside1 to get !m out1 = ,i d>e n put f]rets 91 = fe> !y %\ld kill a rat & leave x to decay & smell = mon?s4 ,i tri$ v>i\s plans4 ,i got a live rat1 ti$ a f]ret's bell on x1 & turn$ x loose1 & = days aft] x 0 con/antly he>d t9kl+ inside ! walls2 b x did n drive ! rats away4 ,i s+$ ! coat ( a rat1 put t> on ! feet ( ano!r & turn$ !m loose2 b x 0 no good4 ,at la/ ,i took possession ( a wood-h\se 9 a cell> d[n 9 ! basem5t1 f :i* a %ort passage l$ to o!r cell>s1 & 9 ! walls ( ^! !re 7 _m op5 holes4 ,fir/ ( all ,i w5t c>efully ov] ! wood cell> & made sure !re 7 no holes 9 x2 & !n1 putt+ 9 a few faggots to give %elt] to any n]v\s "y rat1 ,i />t$ ea* night to fe$ !m ) delici\s balls ( b>ley-meal1 :i* 7 made up ) scraps4 ,9 ?is way ,i gave a rats' supp]-p>ty ea* night = ?ree weeks1 & ea* morn+ ,i f\nd clean-swept di%es4 ,at la/ ! fatal day arriv$4 ,a /r+ 0 ti$ to ! h&le ( ! door lead+ up into ! kit*51 ! food 0 plac$ 9 ! di%es z usual ab\t t5 p4m41 & all ! h\sehold1 except myself1 w5t to b$4 ,i sat ov] ! kit*5 fire read+ my pap] till a di/ant clock /ruck midnight1 & !n ,i gave a %>p pull to ! /r+ & he>d ! door bang to & ! fa/5+ fall1 & ,i knew ,i _h !m4 ,i lit a big glass lant]n1 w5t r\nd to ! /ables & let out all ! dogs1 took !m to ! cell> w9d[ & slipt !m ?r\gh quickly1 squeez+ myself ?r\gh aft] !m & %utt+ ! w9d[ aga94 ,9 half no "t fifty rats 7 kill$1 & all ! dogs1 except ,t9k]1 pretty badly bitt52 b !y 7 us$ to t & did n c>e4 ,!n ,i lock$ ! back door beh9d me1 tak+ ! key home to br+ back 9 ! morn+ :5 ,i call$ to be paid eight & f\rp5ce = my night's "w4 ,?ree times 9 ! next ?ree mon?s ,i w5t ?r\gh a simil> p]=mance1 & ! fir/ "t ,i kill$ tw5ty-eight rats1 ! second sev51 & ! ?ird "t only two1 & ^! 7 old ba*elors4 ,!n e hole 9 ! walls 0 fill$ up ) a cem5t made up ) brok5 glass1 & ,i h nev] he>d ( a rat 9 t h\se s9ce4 ,be=e ,i =get x1 let me tell y t if a rat dies 9 ! wall1 or "u ! floor ( a h\se :]e x c't be got at1 its :]eab\ts c be discov]$ 9 ?is way1 provid$ ! wea!r is w>m4 ,take a butt]fly net ov] to ! but*]s %op1 & !re cat* a doz5 bluebottle flies1 &1 tak+ c>e n to hurt !m1 slip !m into a glass j> & tie a rag ov] x4 ,return to ! room :]e ! smell is1 &1 %utt+ ! door aft] y1 let y\r pack ( flies loose & sit d[n to wat* !m1 & 9 half-an-h\r y w f9d !y are all buzz+ r\nd "o spot4 ,h ?is spot op5$ out1 be x wall or floor1 & !re ! dead rat w be f\nd4 ,has ! bell rung8 ,yes1 half a m9ute6 ,put y\r books away1 =m two & two outside1 & ,i w take y = our usual walk4 ,we w resume ?is task 9 ! morn+4 ,crok]1 m9or1 ! top "p ( ,jones' leg 0 n made to /ick p9s into4 ,if ,i see y d x aga91 ,i %all give y a rat to cat*1 s be c>eful6 ,,*apt] ,,vi4 ,i tru/ t1 9 ! five *apt]s ,i h writt51 ,i h said en\gh to give "s ( my s*ol>s a slight ta/e & lik+ = ! pr(ession ,i am advocat+1 & 9 "s small degree h wean$ _! "y affections f su* p]nici\s pa/imes z /udy+ classical au?ors1 do+ sums1 & cutt+ _! names on _! desks4 ,if ,i h n done ?is ,i h writt5 to little purpose1 & ,i fe> ! next *apt] w damp (f a few :o h only foll[$ me & my dogs on f9e days 9 pleasant pa?s2 b ,i may z well tell y at once t life is no m all be] & skittles 9 rat-cat*+ ?an x is 9 su* m9or pr(essions z ! ,army1 ! ,*ur*1 ! ,b>1 s*ool-keep+1 etc42 & j to see if y are real grit1 boys1 ,i w %[ y ano!r picture4 ,jack1 get ! f]rets :ile ,i let ! dogs out4 ,we mu/ g & see if we c f9d a few rats1 = x is a week s9ce ! f]rets _h fle%1 & we %all h !m gett+ ill2 &1 ,jack1 br+ f\r 9 ! little bag1 & put t inside y\r game-bag1 = x looks l ra91 & ,i don't l to see !m half-dr[n$4 ,yes1 x does look l ra91 ?\gh z yet x is only a dull1 mi/y1 *illy day 9 mid-,novemb] d[n "h 9 ! c\ntry1 b 9 ,london x is a ?ick black fog1 & all "w is be+ done by gaslight4 ,x is bad & depress+ "h1 b ev] s mu* worse !re2 s *e] up1 dogs1 & /ep out1 ,jack4 ,we w g d[n by ! beck & home by ! clay-pits1 = ,i "k ( no o!r place ne> :]e we are s likely to f9d a few rats1 & ,i don't want to make a long day ( x4 ,g ov] ! bridge1 ,jack4 ,y take t side ) ,*ance & a "y "o1 & ,i w d ?is side ) ! o!r dogs4 ,hie 91 dogs6 ,se>* him out1 lads6 ,& on we g1 b 9 two miles we only kill a wat]-h5 t ,pepp] cat*es z x rises out ( "s s$ges1 & :i* goes into my bag to repl5i% ! f]rets' l>d]4 ,! mi/ hangs l[1 ! bu%es are wet1 ! gr\nd s(t1 & !re is a dre>y sigh 9 ! w9d4 ,! cattle are eat+ fa/1 z !y always d be=e ra92 & ! %eep1 />tl$ by ! sight ( ! dogs1 cap] & jump z !y gallop all d[n ! mead[2 & aga9 _! playfulness w>ns me ( a wet tramp home4 ,"s "y colts /& at ! door ( an op5 %$1 dull & depress$ look+1 & ! horses pl\gh+ on ! sides ( ! hill s5d up a ?ick /eam4 ,no birds twitt] or s+1 no insects hum1 di/ant s\nds are muffl$ & indi/9ct4 ,! teams 9 ! waggons on ! road h>d by creep along & take little notice beyond a toss ( ! head at ! c>t]'s :ip z he walks beside !m ) a heavy /ep crack+ x4 ,! only brisk ?+ to be se5 is ! doctor's gig z x :isks pa/4 ,hie up1 dogs6 %ake y\rselves & don't g to sleep6 ,come ov]1 ,jack2 ,i h _h en\gh ( ?is brook2 & if we don't f9d at ! clay-pits1 home we g4 ,& we trudge (f to "s ponds half a mile fur!r away4 ,!y are well-kn[n to bo? m5 & dogs1 & ! latt] bolt on ahead & arrive fir/2 & :5 we come up we f9d !m all clu/]$ r\nd a hole 9 a high bank 'mid/ ?ick dripp+ bu%es4 ,9 goes a f]ret1 b n 9 ! way ,i l to see4 ,!re is no hurry1 no ec/atic wriggle ( ! tail z x sl[ly draws itself into ! hole4 ,!n all /& r\nd expect+ to see a rat take a head] into ! pond2 b no1 five m9utes pass1 & ,pepp] beg9s to move1 & is told to /&4 ,t5 m9utes pass1 & ,jack gets re/less4 ,fifte5 m9utes1 & ,i beg9 to %ift my feet1 :i* are plant$ deep 9 /icky mud by ! side ( ! pond1 & j !n ! fir/ drops ( ra9 appe>4 ,ah1 !re is ! f]ret6 ,jump up & get x1 ,jack4 ,b be=e he c d s1 x has drawn itself into ! hole backw>ds1 :i* means t x has kill$ a rat inside & t x only came out to tell u s1 & t x 0 go+ back to h a good long s\nd sleep curl$ up by ! rat's w>m body4 ,!re is no?+ = x b to dig x out2 & oh1 :at a dig1 all among roots & ?orns on ! slop+ sides ( ! pond1 9 ?ick /icky clay1 ) ! ra9 com+ d[n 9 a /eady p\r6 ,jack hun*es 8 back & leans aga9/ a tree1 ,pepp] & ,wasp w&] away d[n a dit* & scrat* = an h\r at a dra9 t has a rabbit 9 x1 & ! old dogs sit & wat* me & drip & %iv]4 ,i dig "h1 ,i dig !re2 ,i slip & fall on ! bank2 ! wat] mix$ ) yell[ clay runs up my arm f ! spade1 & yet t bea/ly f]ret sleeps peacefully 9 its w>m b$4 ,i lose ! hole1 come d[n on roots z ?ick z my leg & /ones t /rike fire z ! spade /rikes !m2 & s two h\rs ( discom=t to all drift by1 & ,i am j feel+ ab\t = ! la/ "t ) ! spike end ( ! spade1 :5 ,i aga9 hit (f ! hole &1 op5+ x out1 come ^u a nice w>m rat's ne/ made ( leaves1 ) ! f]ret curl$ up snugly ) a dead rat4 ,home1 dogs1 home6 ,*e] up1 ,jack6 ,cold are y1 & wet8 ,well1 nev] m9d2 only two miles1 & we w walk fa/4 ,pepp]1 ,pepp]1 ,wasp1 ,wasp1 :]e on e>? h y got to8 ,ah1 !re y are1 & a nice mess y h made ( y\rselves try+ to scrat* out a hole five hundr$ y>ds long4 ,come along all6 ,& (f we tramp1 ,jack & ,i 9 ! middle ( ! road1 spli% spla% at e /ep1 ! wat] squirt+ high up our gait]$ legs1 & ! dogs1 ) droop+ tails1 dripp+ coats & woe-begone looks1 com+ along beh9d u 9 ,indian file close "u ! %elt]1 su* z x is1 ( ! h$ge4 ,we pass ! po/man1 :o only nods1 & meet a flock ( %eep all draggl$ & dirty4 ,an empty c>t ) a sack ov] ! seat /&s at ! pot-h\se1 & pigs w&] li/lessly ab\t ! y>d ) _! backs ar*$ up4 ,"u ! waggon-%$ "s cocks & h5s /& ea* on "o leg1 ) _! tails droop+1 app>5tly too disgu/$ to prune _! fea!rs & fly up to roo/ 9 ! raft]s4 ,! smoke beats d[n f ! *imneys & gets lo/ 9 ! w9d & ra9 :i* buffets & pelts at our back4 ,cold spots beg9 to be felt at ! b5d ( our arms & knees2 !n a %iv] runs d[n ! back1 :i* developes into a trickle ( wat] t at la/ gets into our boots & goes squi%1 squi%1 at e /ep1 & at la/ oozes ov] ! tops2 & our tee? *att] ) cold1 = n[ "h & !re among ! ra9-drops appe> a few flakes ( sn[1 :i* re/ on ! mud ( ! road = a second1 & !n melt+1 add to ! deep slu% t trickles d[n ! hill by our side4 ,at e op5 %$ ! dogs %elt] a m9ute1 %ake !mselves l dripp+ mops1 & ) ar*$ backs /& on ?ree legs & %iv]2 b we :i/le !m on & at la/ rea* home4 ,aft] ?r[+ a good bundle ( dry /raw on ! k5nel b5*es & fe$+ dogs & f]rets1 ,jack & ,i get "u %elt] & soon f9d ourselves 9 dry clo!s be=e a good fire1 feel+ a little swoll5 & /iff ab\t our faces & h&s1 & mu* incl9$ = =ty w9ks4 ,! w9d h[ls 9 ! *imney1 la%es ! b>e bran*es ( ! trees1 rattles ! w9d[ frames1 & appe>s angry t x _c get at u1 & ! ra9 drives 9 fitful gu/s aga9/ ! w9d[s1 & hisses 9 ! big wood fire on ! he>?2 & z ,i sit 9 my snug arm-*air1 ,i dimly feel t ! ext]nal /orm adds greatly to ! int]nal com=t1 & !n ,i fancy ,i nod (f to sleep1 = ,i ?9k no m till supp] is ann\nc$1 & hung] & my wife /ir me up to consci\sness aga94 ,hav+ f9i%$ a good supp] & got my pipe draw+ beautifully1 ,i rememb] "o or two ?+s t ,i ?9k ! /ud5t %\ld be told4 ,! fir/ is1 nev] put a l9e on a f]ret :5 ratt+4 ,x hamp]s a f]ret 9 a n>r[1 twi/+1 turn+ rat's hole1 & cutt+ into ! s(t e>? at ! turns soon br+s ! f]ret to a dead /op4 ,!n rats' holes are *iefly 9 h$ge-banks1 :i* are full ( roots1 & ! l9e is pretty sure to get twi/$ r\nd "s ( ^!1 & !n x w be a long dig to free x4 ,rememb]1 too1 a f]ret has to g d[n ! hole & face a bea/ ne>ly z big z itself1 ) tee? l lancets & ) c\rage to use !m1 & s %\ld be z free z possible2 & l9+ a f]ret is ab\t equal to sett+ a /ud5t ) ! gloves on to fight aga9/ ano!r )\t !m4 ,!n "s way back ,i m5tion$ f]rets' bells4 ,!y are little holl[ brass balls ) an iron %ot 9 !m t make a pretty t9kl+ s\nd1 & are suppos$ to be ti$ r\nd ! f]ret's neck4 ,9 my op9ion1 if y put a bell on x1 y may z well put ! f]ret 9 ! bag & keep x !re4 ,! !ory ab\t bells is1 t a f]ret runn+ d[n a hole j+l+ its bell w fill a rat ) fe> & make x bolt1 b ?is is all nons5se2 rats are n s easily fright5$4 ,aga91 x is said t if a f]ret comes out ( a hole 9 a ?ick h$ge unse51 ! bell w let y "k :]e x is2 b ,i mu/ say ,i nev] lo/ a f]ret 9 a h$ge or felt ! want ( a bell$ "o4 ,i consid] a bell a useless dead weight on a f]ret1 & ! cord t goes r\nd its neck to fa/5 x is apt to get hit*$ on to a root & hold ! f]ret a prison]4 ,a bell is only good = a %>p %opman to sell to a flat4 ,i ne$ h>dly say1 nev] muzzle a f]ret :5 rat-cat*+4 ,x w\ld be brutal n to let ! f]ret h ! use ( its tee? to protect itself )4 ,muzzl+ f]rets app]ta9s solely to rabbit+1 b x is useful to "k h[ to d x4 ,take a piece ( tw9e a foot long1 d\ble x1 & tie a loop at ! d\ble4 ,tie ! /r+ r\nd ! f]ret's neck1 ) ! loop on ! top2 br+ ! two ends d[n "u ! *9 & tie !m toge!r !re2 pass !m ov] ! nose & tie !m !re1 %utt+ ! m\? tight2 pass "o /r+ along ! nose1 betwe5 ! eyes1 ?r\gh ! loop on ! top ( ! neck1 & b5d+ x back1 tie x to ! o!r loose /r+ f ! knot on ! top ( ! nose4 ,cut ! ends (f1 &1 provid$ y h n made a lot ( granny knots1 y\r muzzle w keep on all day4 ,!re are o!r ways ( do+ ! trick1 su* z pass+ ! /r+ beh9d ! f]ret's dogtee?1 br+ x "u ! jaw1 !n ov] ! nose1 on ! top ( ! neck2 tie x !re & aga9 "u ! neck4 ,i hate ?is plan1 & h se5 a f]ret's m\? badly cut by ! /r+4 ,i h he>d ( ano!r plan :i* is too brutal to m5tion4 ,cut ! muzzle (f directly y h done ) x1 = ,i don't suppose a f]ret likes hav+ its m\? ti$ up any m ?an y or ,i %\ld4 ,nev] wantonly hurt any animal1 especially ^? t "w = y & suff] 9 y\r s]vice4 ,j ?9k ( ! am\nt ( pluck a f]ret %[s ea* "t y put x into a rat's hole4 ,fancy y\rself 9 its place1 go+ d[n a lot ( d>k crook$ passages t y don't "k1 only j wide en\gh to all[ y to pass1 & h to face a bea/ some:at l y\rself & z big1 t y "k w attack y4 ,:y1 if f]rets got ,v4,c4's1 !y w\ld1 on high days & holidays :5 !y wi%$ to display !m all1 h to employ a /r+ ( s&wi*-m5 walk+ beh9d !m ) ! bo>ds cov]$ ) ,v4,c4 ,?ree or f\r times 9 my life ,i h _h f]rets die ( ! w\nds !y h receiv$ f rats4 ,i h _h !m 9 hospital = weeks1 & ,i h _h !m bl9d$4 ,speak+ ( bl9d f]rets1 ,i am n mu* ( an oculi/1 b ,i don't believe a f]ret c see 9 ! d>k4 ,i nev] c\ld f9d any diff]5ce betwe5 ! way my bl9d f]ret work$ 9 a hole & t ( "o ) good eyes2 9 fact1 my bl9d f]ret 0 z good a little bea/ z ev] kill$ a rat1 & %e did kill _m a score aft] %e lo/ bo? eyes4 ,i believe a f]ret :5 9 a hole uses a s5se we don't possess--,i mean ! s5se ( t\* ) ! long nose :isk]s4 ,"s ye>s ago ! ,field op5$ its pages to a long discussion on ! subject ( f]rets suck+ ! blood ( _! victims aft] !y h kill$ !m4 ,writ]s pret5d+ to "k all ab\t x said !y did d s4 ,^! m5 are to be piti$1 n laugh$ at1 = y see 9 ! days ( _! y\? ,rat-cat*+ = ! ,use ( ,s*ools 0 n writt51 & !re=e !y _h n le>nt bett]4 ,a f]ret no m sucks ! blood ( ! ?+s x kills ?an a dog does4 ,if y d\bt ?is1 give a fre%-kill$ rat to a f]ret1 let x fa/5 on x1 & !n peep at ! corn]s ( its m\?1 & y w f9d an op5+ !re into ! m\?1 out ( :i* blood w\ld fl[ if ! f]ret _h x 9 its m\?2 & look d[n its ?roat1 y w n f9d blood 9 x1 nor w !re be blood on ! portion ( ! rat t has be5 held 9 its m\?4 ,no1 p are misl$ by a f]ret s5d+ its tee? deep home 9 ! fle% & mak+ a suck+ s\nd z x ) difficulty brea!s ?r\gh its nose & ! corn]s ( its m\?4 ,if y wat* a f]ret aft] x has kill$ a rat1 x w1 z soon z x is sure ! rat is dead1 beg9 *ew+ at ! sk9 ( ! head or ?roat till x has made an entrance1 & w !n eat ! fle%4 ,to f9i% ?is *apt]1 ,i w tell y a /ory :i* y are nev] to put into practice4 ,"s long "t ago ,i f\nd myself f> f home 9 a c\ntry village1 & hav+ no?+ to d1 ,i w5t = a walk1 & soon came ^u a bro!r pr(essional rat-cat*]2 & ?9k+ ,i might le>n a wr9kle f him t w\ld come 9 useful1 ,i jo9$ him & c>efully wat*$ him & 8 dogs4 ,i saw at once t ?ree ( ! latt] 7 v good & up to _! "w2 b !re 0 a f\r?1 a nondescript sort ( bea/ ) a long tail1 t appe>$ q useless2 & ,i obs]v$ ) amusem5t t directly ! man put a f]ret into a hole1 ! dog tuck$ its tail tight betwe5 its legs & w5t & /ood well out 9 ! field4 ,i ask$ ! man :y he kept su* a useless bea/1 & ) a *uckle he answ]$1 ,well1 mate1 ,i'll own up he a9't mu* to boa/ on = rat-kill+1 nor yet = looks1 b he has 8 use l "s o!r ( we h-ugly ones4 ,y see1 sir1 ,i've got "o or two f]rets z won't come out ( a 'ole1 b /& a peep+ at ! h-entrance & wa/e a lot ( "t4 ,!n t 'ere dawg comes 9 useful4 ,i cat*es him1 lifts him up1 & /icks 8 bu%y tail d[n to ! f]ret1 :o cat*es tight hold1 & ,i draws x out4 ,no?+ a9't made = no?+1 & ,i expect t dawg 0 made = draw+ f]rets4 ,! man may h be5 "r1 b ,i 0 q sure ! un=tunate dog did n take an active pleasure 9 8 vocation4 ,!re1 "y g5tlem51 if y h well dige/$ t *apt] & =gott5 ! /ory at ! end1 y c put up y\r books & =m up = y\r usual walk to ! second mile/one & back aga92 b be=e leav+1 let me po9t out to y1 ,crok]1 m9or1 t if t c>icature ,i h obs]v$ y draw+ beh9d y\r book is meant = me1 x is1 l mo/ ?+s y d1 incorrect2 my nose is n s long1 & ,i "p my hair on ! left side1 n ! "r4 ,,*apt] ,,vii4 ,rat-cat*+ & rabbit-cat*+ are two di/9ct pr(essions1 b ! great] "p ( ! /ock-9-trade t s]ves = "o w answ] = ! o!r1 & x is z well = ! pr(essional to be ma/] ( :at ,i ?9k ,i may call bo? bran*es ( 8 bus9ess4 ,a rat-cat*] :o did no?+ b kill rats & refus$ a day's "w ) ! rabbits w\ld be l a m$ical man :o w\ld cut (f limbs b w\ld n give a pill1 or a capta9 ( a sail+-vessel :o w\ld n g to sea 9 a /eam]2 besides 9 ^! days x is ! fa%ion to jumble up half a doz5 bus9esses "u "o head & "n4 ,j look at :at ! eng9e] does4 ,:y1 he is n[h]e if he is n 7besides be+ ready1 z ! eng9e] ( ! old s*ool1 to make railways1 etc47 a *emi/1 an electrician1 a diplomat1 a lawy]1 a f9anci] & a contractor1 & ev5 sometimes an hone/ man4 ,if y are n 9 ! fa%ion y are left beh9d z an old fogey1 & s 9 ?is *apt] we w discuss ! art ( rabbit-cat*+2 & ,i tru/ all s*oolma/]s w furni% y1 _! /ud5ts1 ) ! opportunity ( putt+ 9 practice 9 ! field :at y le>n f ?is book at y\r desks4 ,well1 n[ = ! requirem5ts4 ,we h got ! dogs1 we h got ! f]rets1 spade1 bag1 etc42 b = rabbit+ we mu/ h a mu* m co/ly /ock-9-trade if we are to d a big bus9ess4 ,we %all require an ord9>y g>d5]'s spade = digg+ 9 s(t s&y gr\nd1 :]e ! rabbit burr[s sometimes g 9 = y>ds1 & z mu* z t5 feet deep d[n2 also ano!r spade1 long] 9 ! blade ?an our ratt+ "o1 ! sides m turn$ 91 & ) a h&le t5 feet long1 ) a /eel hook at ! end in/ead ( a spike4 ,) ?is spade we c s9k d[n _m feet aft] ! hole is too deep = ! ord9>y spade1 & ! turn$ 9 sides w hold ! s(t e>? & all[ y to br+ x to ! surface4 ,if y dig d[n on ! top ( a rabbit--z y w d :5 y "k y\r "w--! hook at ! end w enable y to draw fir/ x & !n ! f]ret up by ! /r+4 ,we mu/ h a piece ( /rong light supple cord1 m>k$ by a piece ( r$ clo? drawn ?r\gh ! /r&s at e y>d1 s t "o c tell exactly h[ f> 9 ! f]ret is2 & x is z well to h a second %ort] cord = "w 9 /iff heavy gr\nd1 :]e ! holes are nev] deep4 ,next1 we mu/ h two or ?ree doz5 purse-nets1 :i* are circul>1 ab\t two feet 9 diamet]1 ) a /r+ rove r\nd ! outside me% fa/5$ to a peg4 ,^! are = cov]+ ov] bolt holes to bag a rabbit :5 driv5 out by ! f]rets4 ,! nets %\ld be made ( ! v be/ /r+1 s z to be z light & f9e z possible4 ,! me% %\ld be j l>ge en\gh to all[ a rabbit's head to pass ?r\gh4 ,l ! po/script to a lady's lett]1 ! *ief item ,i h sav$ till ! la/1 & ,i fe> x w be "s "t be=e ! ord9>y rabbit-cat*] w be able to af=d x4 ,i ref] to long nets1 :i* are us$ = runn+ r\nd or across a piece ( cov]t to cat* ! rabbits z !y are bu/l$ ab\t by ! dogs4 ,a rabbit-cat*] 9 full sw+ %\ld h f eight hundr$ to a ?\s& y>ds ( ?is1 = ) a good long net he w (t5 kill z _m rabbits 9 a few h\rs z he c\ld d ) ! f]rets 9 a week4 ,i myself keep no special dog = rabbit-cat*+1 *iefly because ,i h a neighb\r :o w always let me h a cunn+ old lur*] t he keeps1 :i* is z good z gold1 & z clev] z a lawy]1 & desp]ately fond ( a day ) me & my dogs4 ,i h ?ree male f]rets1 real mon/]s1 /rong en\gh to trot d[n a burr[ & drag five or six y>ds ( l9e aft] !m ) ease4 ,hav+ describ$ all ! tools1 etc41 necess>y = "w1 ,i w n[ jot d[n1 z an ex]cise = y /ud5ts1 a nice easy day's rabbit+ t actually took place a few weeks ago--a sort ( day t q a "y beg9n] might "w ) success4 ,!re _h be5 a %>p rime fro/ 9 ! night1 :i* /ill hung ab\t 9 %ady spots at eight o'clock 9 ! morn+1 z ,jack & ,i m>*$ (f ) my dogs & f]rets1 accompani$ by old ,fly1 ! lur*]4 ,by n9e a4m4 we began work+ field h$ge-r[s & banks1 :]e rabbits 7 pretty pl5tiful & _h be5 e/abli%$ = ye>s 9 e description ( burr[4 ,!re _h be5 a lot ( p>tridge & o!r %oot+ go+ on ov] ?is f>m = ! la/ mon?1 & mo/ ( ! rabbits _h got a dislike to sitt+ out 9 ! op51 & 7 "u gr\nd1 s we began at ! burr[s at once1 ! dogs driv+ e rabbit t 0 sitt+ out 9 ! h$ge back to _! burr[s z we walk$ along4 ,we began "w 9 a /iff clay bank f> too h>d = ! rabbits to make deep holes 91 & "h we got on fa/4 ,i took ! dit* side--9 fact1 ,i took ! dit* itself--) a big f]ret ) a %ort l9e on1 & ,i ran x into ea* hole ,i came to4 ,jack on ! o!r side look$ out = ! bolt holes1 & always laid d[n a little to "o side1 z mu* z possible out ( sight1 b ) a h& j on ! bank ov] ! hole ready to cat* a bolt+ rabbit4 ,fly & ! o!r dogs took *>ge ( ! o!r holes1 & all kept z quiet z possible4 ,9 w5t ! f]ret1 sl[ly dragg+ ! l9e aft] him till ,i c\nt two y>ds gone by ! r$ m>ks on ! l9e2 !n !re is a halt = half a m9ute1 !n a l\d rumbl+ & ! l9e is pull$ fa/ ?r\gh my f+]s4 ,jack moves quickly1 & ! next in/ant a rabbit is ?r[n a little way out into ! field ) its neck brok54 ,jack says1 ,f]ret out1 !n picks x up1 draws ! l9e ?r\gh ! hole1 passes ! f]ret ov] to me1 & we g on to ! next1 hav+ fill$ up ! entrance ( ! hole we h j work$4 ,hole aft] hole 0 f]ret$ mu* 9 ! same way4 ,sometimes ,jack bagg$ ! bolt+ rabbit1 sometimes ! dogs1 & n[ & !n "o bolt$ & got into ! h$ge be=e x c\ld be caught & w5t back1 b x 0 little use1 = ! dogs ) ,fly at _! head 7 soon aft] x1 & 9 a few m9utes ,fly 0 sure to h x1 & w\ld retrieve x back to ,jack4 ,z we work$ r\nd a big field1 we got into s(t] gr\nd1 a r$ s& & soil mix$2 & "h ! holes 7 mu* deep] & (t5 ran ?r\gh ! bank & out = y>ds "u gr\nd into ! next field4 ,"h ,jack & ,i *ang$ places1 ,jack do+ ! f]ret+1 & ,i go+ to 8 side ) ! g>d5 spade4 ,"o1 two1 ?ree1 f\r1 five y>ds ! f]ret w5t & /opp$1 & all 0 quiet4 ,i li/51 b n a s\nd4 ,jack pulls g5tly on ! l9e & f9ds x tight1 & = a m9ute we wait1 hop+ a rabbit may bolt f ! hole ! f]ret w5t 9 at4 ,b no su* luck4 ,i take ! small ratt+-spade1 & ) ! spike end feel into ! gr\nd at ! foot ( ! bank1 & at once come ^u ! hole2 ?is ,i op5 out & cle> ( e>?1 & ,jack1 :o has crept ?r\gh ! h$ge1 kneels d[n & f9ds ! l9e pass+ ?is hole 9 ! direction ( ! field & go+ d[nw>ds4 ,at t mom5t !re is a s\nd l v di/ant ?und]1 & ! l9e is pull$ quickly f\r y>ds fur!r into ! hole1 & ! m>ks %[ six y>ds are 94 ,i g ab\t ?is di/ance out into ! field1 lie d[n & place my e> close to ! gr\nd4 ,i %ift ab\t 9 all directions li/5+ int5tly1 & at la/ he> a fa9t ?udd+ s\nd4 ,i %ift aga9 a few in*es 9 ?is direction1 & lose x2 9 t1 & recov] x2 aga9 a few in*es1 & ! s\nd is directly "u my head1 b pretty deep d[n4 ,i take ! big spade & op5 out a hole a y>d squ>e1 & dig d[n z f> z ,i c rea*4 ,i get into ! hole & s9k deep]4 ,i h to enl>ge x a foot all r\nd to get room1 & !n ,i dig d[n aga9 till only my head appe>s above gr\nd :5 ,i /& up4 ,!n ,i take ! long spade1 & ) t s9k two m feet1 & plump ,i come on ! top ( ! hole1 & ! f]ret %oves a s&-cov]$ head up & looks at me4 ,i rev]se ! long spade & cat* ! l9e ) ! hook & pull ! f]ret up1 & !n call+ ,jack1 ,i s5d him head fir/ into ! well-l pit1 hold+ on to "o ( 8 feet myself z ,i lie flat on ! gr\nd to all[ him to g deep en\gh4 ,9 a m9ute a dead rabbit is tak5 out & two live ones1 ^: necks ,jack breaks z he hangs susp5d$1 & !n ,i pull him up ) 8 plund]1 & he rights himself on ! surface1 v r$ 9 ! face1 v s&y1 splutt]+ & rubb+ 8 eyes4 ,!n ! f]ret is swung d[n aga9 by ! l9e1 x goes a little way into ! hole & returns1 & s we "k we h made a clean sweep4 ,! big hole is fill$ up & /amp$ d[n1 & aft] fill+ a pipe & re/+ a few m9utes1 on we g ) our "w4 ,on ! high s&y "p ( ! field we h sev]al deep digs l ! above1 ) v>y+ success1 & we rejoice :5 we rea* ! la/ side ( ! field & get into clay aga91 :]e holes are %ort & mo/ ( ! rabbits bolt at once4 ,dur+ all ! day we only /opp$ once = half-an-h\r to get a snack ( bread & *eese1 & by ! "t ! cock p>tridges began to call _! families toge!r = roo/1 & ! teams 9 ! next field to knock (f pl\gh+1 we are all1 man1 boy1 dogs & f]rets1 fairly tir$1 & are glad to tumble sev5te5 c\ple ( rabbits into ! keep]'s c>t t has be5 s5t out = !m1 & trudge (f home ourselves4 ,n[ = ano!r day's sport t 0 q diff]5t4 ,no dogs ) u1 only a bag ( ready-muzzl$ f]rets1 a bundle ( purse nets & a spade4 ,success w dep5d on p]fect quiet1 & ev5 ! patt] ( ! dogs' feet w\ld spoil our sport1 s !y are at home = once1 & ,jack & ,i are alone4 ,x is "o ( ^? s(t mild dull days t n[ & !n appe> 9 mid-w9t]1 a sort ( day to gladd5 ! he>t ( foxhunt]s & doctors1 & to make wiseacres %ake _! heads & say mo/ unseasonable4 ,x is a good day = ,jack & me1 & we feel confid5t z we /eal into a plantation ( tall spruce firs1 plac$ s ?ick on ! gr\nd t b5ea? !m is p]petual twilight1 & n a blade ( grass or bramble to hide ! ?ick c>pet ( ne$le po9ts4 ,s(tly we creep =w>d to a lot ( burr[s we "k ( 9 ! corn] ( ! wood1 & !n ,i g =w>d alone & spread a net loosely ov] e hole1 firmly pegg+ x d[n by ! cord4 ,?is done ,i /& quietly d[n-w9d ( ! holes1 & ,jack comes & slips ! six f]rets all into diff]5t holes1 & !n cr\*es d[n on 8 knees4 ,all is quiet2 only ! :isp]+s ( ! tree-tops1 ! occasional *irp ( a bird1 or ! ru/le ( a m\se 9 ! dead leaves4 ,five m9utes pass1 & !n out da%es a rabbit into a net1 :i* draws up r\nd x4 ,jack moves =w>d on tip-toe1 kills ! rabbit & takes x out ( ! net1 & cov]s ! hole aga94 ,:ile he is do+ ?is1 ?ree m rabbits h bolt$ & got nett$1 "o has escap$1 & a f]ret has come out4 ,! captur$ ones are kill$1 ! f]ret s5t into ano!r hole1 & = an h\r ?is "w goes on1 & dur+ all ! "t nei!r ( u h spok51 = we "k !re is no?+ t sc>es wild animals m ?an ! human voice1 unless x is ! j+le ( metals1 su* z a bun* ( keys rattl+4 ,!y dread ! human voice because !y h _h too mu* exp]i5ce ( x1 & ! rattle ( metal because !y h n _h exp]i5ce en\gh ( x1 = x is a s\nd !y h nev] he>d1 & no?+ l1 9 ! quiet woods & fields4 ,on ! o!r h&1 animals pay b little att5tion to a :i/le1 = 9 "o %ape or ano!r !y are con/antly he>+ x f _! fea!r$ companions4 ,b to g back to our nett+4 ,an h\r ov]1 we pick up ! f]rets z !y come out & bag !m1 & !n ,i g (f to "s fre% holes & spread ! nets aga91 & we repeat ! same p]=mance2 & dur+ ! day we kill1 )\t any digg+ or h>d "w1 ab\t tw5ty-two c\ple ( rabbits4 ,9 ! above acc\nt ,i h writt5 ( a day's sport t took place 9 a fir plantation 9 a little village 9 ,norfolk1 :]e x w\ld h be5 madness to "w ! f]rets )\t muzzl+ !m1 = !y w\ld h be5 sure to kill "s rabbits 9 ! holes & !n h laid up2 b ,i %\ld m5tion t ,i h kill$ _m rabbits 9 ! same way on ! ,cotswold ,hills 9 ,gl\ce/]%ire1 & ,i 0 mu* a/oni%$ :5 ,i fir/ got !re to f9d m5 :o ?or\ghly und]/ood _! bus9ess work+ _! f]rets "u nets )\t muzzl+ !m4 ,i adopt$ ! plan myself1 & h r>ely _h a f]ret kill a rabbit und]gr\nd4 ,= "s reason t ,i c\ld nev] f9d out1 a ,cotswold rabbit w always bolt f a hole ) a f]ret 9 if x c4 ,x is well kn[n 9 ,norfolk t if a rabbit is run into a hole by dogs1 y may f]ret x if y l1 b x w nev] bolt1 & x mu/ be dug out4 ,b 9 ,gl\ce/]%ire ,i h se5 ! same rabbit bolt out ( a hole1 get %ot at1 be run by dogs1 g to gr\nd1 & aga9 bolt at once f a f]ret4 ,few pr(essionals ev] use a l9e on a f]ret on ! ,cotswold1 "o reason be+ t ! burr[s are ne>ly all 9 rocky gr\nd1 & !re w\ld be dang] ( ! l9e be+ caught 9 ! num]\s cracks2 besides x is n requir$1 = a rabbit !re is sure to bolt1 & = ?is reason x is twice z easy to kill rabbits 9 ,gl\ce/]%ire z x is 9 ,norfolk1 especially 9 ! s&y or s(t soil ( ! latt] c\nty4 ,let me "h beg ( all my read]s1 especially /ud5ts1 nev] to keep a poor rabbit alive 9 _! h&s a second4 ,i don't suppose any :o read ?is book c\ld be s unsportsmanlike & brutal z to keep a rabbit alive to c\rse & torture ov] aga9 ) dogs1 or = ! fun ( %oot+ at ! poor little bea/4 ,su* ruffians %\ld nev] be all[$ a day's sport on a g5tleman's prop]ty4 ,!y are only fit to g out mole-cat*+4 ,no1 directly y h a live rabbit 9 y\r h&1 take x by its h9d legs ) y\r "r h&1 & ! head ) y\r left1 ) two f+]s "u its face2 ) ^! f+]s turn ! head back1 & give ! rabbit a sm>t quick /ret*1 & 9 an in/ant all its suff]+s are ov]4 ,nev] hit x ) y\r h& or a /ick beh9d ! e>s3 fir/1 because y are n q sure to kill x ) ! fir/ bl[2 & secondly1 if y d1 half ! blood 9 ! rabbit w settle 9 a great bruise at ! spot :]e x 0 /ruck1 & make t portion unfit = table4 ,t is suffici5t = ?is morn+1 & y may n[ turn to a little light] "w ) "s algebra4 ,,*apt] ,,viii4 ,=tunately ,i don't live by ! sea4 ,i say =tunately1 because ,i look ^u ! sea z a sw9dl]1 = x robs "o ( j half "o's little _w & upsets all calculations by =c+ "o to live 9 a mean semicircle4 ,i actually "k a rat-cat*] :o is /upid en\gh to live 9 a village on ! ea/ coa/1 & half 8 "t he & 8 dogs are at home 9 idl5ess & are half />v$1 because ! ev]-re/less tiresome sea rolls ab\t & disports itself ov] all t is ea/ ( ! village1 s ! poor man c only g rat-cat*+ 9 "o direction4 ,n[ & !n ,i g to ! sea-side1 b :5 ,i g !re x is on bus9ess--n 9 my ,sunday clo!s & ) a tripp]'s return ticket1 b ) my dogs1 f]rets1 nets 7! long ones7 & ! boy ,jack2 he & ,i dress$ 9 our well-worn corduroys1 gait]s1 & navvy boots2 & in/ead ( *oos+ a t[n to visit ) ,m>9e ,p>ade1 ,esplanades1 ,lodg+s to let1 ,brass ,b&s1 ,nigg] ,m9/rels & sp\t+ ,m4,p4's1 we g to a little village unkn[n to tripp]s1 & put up at a small inn = a week or t5 days4 ,we sleep 9 a room n unlike a hay-l(t1 & take our meals & re/ 9 ! common kit*51 ) its rattl+ lattic$ w9d[s & s&$ floor4 ,we g !re twice ea* w9t] to kill rabbits on :at are call$ ! ,d5es1 :i* are great1 wide1 d[n-l l&s on ! top ( ! /eep e>? cliff1 p>tially cov]$ ) ! ev]-fl[]+ gorse1 a cov] de> to rabbits & all sorts ( game4 ,we rea* ! inn 9 "t = an e>ly d9n]2 & aft] we h h\s$ ! f]rets 9 a big tub & ! dogs 9 a w>m dry %$ ) heaps ( /raw to sleep on1 ,jack & ,i despat* our food & !n />t (f to inspect ! field ( our future op]ations4 ,we h n f> to g4 ,fir/ d[n ! /reet1 pa/ two or ?ree doz5 fl9t-pebble cottages2 pa/ ! *ur*1 ) its squ>e t[] s high t x makes ! really big *ur* look small 9 proportion2 pa/ ! rectory2 pa/ ! s*ools1 :]e "s =ty or fifty future fi%]m5 & sailors h j f9i%$ _! tasks = ! day & come roll+ out1 dress$ all alike 9 d>k1 sea-/a9$1 canvas tr\s]s & ?ick sailor j]seys2 pa/ ! l[ "o-/ori$ cottage :]e ! old retir$ naval capta9 has liv$ = _m ye>s1 & !n up a s&y lane betwe5 high crumbl+ banks & out on to ! op5 ,d5es4 ,we take a pa? t runs close along on ! top ( ! cliff1 m\nt+ a /eep hill z we g till we rea* a spot half a mile fur!r on1 :]e ! sea cliff is f\r hundr$ feet high & ne>ly p]p5dicul>2 & "h among ! ru9s ( an old *ur*1 "p ( :i* has fall5 ) ! slipp+ cliff into ! sea _m ye>s ago1 ,jack & ,i halt & take a look r\nd4 ,we are on ! highe/ spot )9 miles1 & spread out 9 front ( u1 z we face inl&1 are1 fir/1 ! d[n-l hills1 dott$ ov] ) pat*es ( gorse & ) turf betwe5 z f9e & s(t z a ,p]sian c>pet2 !n cultivat$ fields int]sect$ by ?ick h$ges2 & 9 ! di/ance we c\ld di/+ui% a clu/]+ village "h1 a home/ead !re1 an old manor-h\se 9 its well-kept g>d5 & p>k-l gr\nds1 & 9 all directions ! squ>e1 solid1 picturesque t[]s ( village *ur*es peep+ f among ! trees1 t became ?ick] & ?ick] ! fur!r ! eye travell$ f ! sea4 ,close to our left1 j "u ! %\ld] ( a hill :i* protects x f ! ke5 ea/ w9d (f ! sea1 is a t9y village ( "s t5 cottages1 all diff]5t1 all neat & snug-look+1 ea* 9 its own g>d54 ,!re is a /& ( bee-hives 9 "o1 a honeysuckle-cov]$ por* to ano!r1 &1 ?\gh x is mid-w9t]1 !re is a w>m home-l look ab\t all4 ,!n !re is ! "o f>m-h\se1 well kept & well c>$ =1 b old & belong+ to o!r days1 z its gables & l[ w9d[s d5ote2 & f our high hill we look ov] ! h\se into a g>d5 & or*>d beyond1 bo? enclos$ by grey li*5-cov]$ walls4 ,on ei!r side 9 front ( ! h\se are ! f>m build+s1 all1 f ! big b>n to ! r[ ( pig/ies1 ?at*$ ) long re$s1 :i* give ! :ole a pleasant ,engli% home appe>ance4 ,!re are big y>ds fill$ ) r$ & :ite cattle up to _! middle 9 /raw1 o!rs full ( horses or "y calves2 cocks & h5s are ev]y:]e1 ducks & geese swim 9 ! big pond by ! side ( ! road1 & turkeys1 s big & plump !y make "o long = ,*ri/mas1 mob toge!r 9 ! y>d1 & ! turkey-cocks gobble-gobble at a boy :o is infuriat+ !m by :i/l+4 ,a man crosses ! y>d ) two pails on a yoke1 evid5tly go+ a-milk+2 & ano!r passes ) a p]fect hay-/ack on 8 back1 & a doz5 great heavy horses come out ( ! /able 9 ,indian file & /ump (f to ! pond to dr9k4 ,beyond ! f>m/ead1 9 a field on ! "r ( ! road1 is a d\ble r[ ( heap$ up mangels & sw$es2 & a little fur!r on are a numb] ( /acks1 s neatly built & ?at*$ t x seems q a pity !y %\ld soon be pull$ d[n & ?ra%$1 b all %[+ signs ( prosp]ity & pl5ty4 ,beyond ?is /&s a t9y *ur*1 ) re$-?at* ro(4 ,x is all1 *ur* & t[]1 built ( r\nd fl9t /ones z big z oranges1 clev]ly split 9 two & ! flat side fac+ outw>ds2 & f ! dog-too? ,saxon ar* ov] ! door "o kn[s x has se5 _m g5]ations pass away & f9d re/ f ! buffets & /orms ( ! _w 9 ! peaceful1 c>efully-t5d$ ,god's acre t surr\nds x4 ,if "o pass$ d[n ! r$ gravel *ur*y>d pa?1 & on 9 front ( ! s\? door to ! f> corn]1 "u ! big c$>1 a small door w\ld be f\nd1 :i* w\ld lead ?r\gh a well-kept1 old-fa%ion$ g>d5 to ! ,rectory3 a good old ,elizabe?an h\se1 cov]$ ) ?ick creep]s up to ! v eaves1 ! model ( "o ( ,engl&'s snug homes--homes t h turn$ out ! v be/ m5 ! de> old l& has produc$1 to fight1 /ruggle1 conqu] or die 9 all pr(essions1 9 all p>ts ( ! _w2 m5 :o 9 su* %elt]s le>n$ to be hone/ & true1 brave & p]sev]+1 lions 9 c\rage1 wom5 9 g5tl5ess2 :o c\ld face h>d%ips & pov]ty )\t a moan1 & prosp]ity & ri*es )\t swagg]2 & ?r\gh all ! difficulties ( life ?\ght ( ! old home1 & :5 success arriv$1 be !y ev] s f> away1 pack$ up & came back to f9i% _! days 9 j su* ano!r home & su* surr\nd+s4 ,turn r\nd n[1 ,jack2 turn r\nd & take a look at ! re/less sea roll+ its big wat]s on ! smoo? /rip ( s& !re bel[ on ?is side2 & on ! o!r1 ,jack1 f>1 f> away ov] !re 9 ! s\?1 on ! o!r side ( ! _w1 lav+ ! roots ( ! palm & ! mangrove1 b5ea? ! burn+ rays ( tropical suns2 & away r\nd "h1 ,jack1 f> 9 ! nor?1 da%+ its /orm-driv5 waves aga9/ ! face ( fro/-b\nd rocks & trea*]\s iceb]gs4 ,!re on ! danc+ wat]s1 ) all sails set1 *as+ ! lights & %ad[s z !y flit be=e x1 sails a boat b\nd s\? to sunny climes4 ,!re on ! horizon1 aga9/ w9d & wave1 /eams a colli]1 tak+ fuel to l&s :]e ! sn[ lies deep on ! gr\nd = f\r mon?s 9 ! ye>2 & "r & left1 outw>d b\nd or com+ home1 are v>i\s :ite sails dott+ ! wat]s4 ,b1 ,jack1 h[ ab\t supp]8 ,i ord]$ eggs & bacon = supp]1 & ^? *imney corn]s at ! inn look$ z if !y might be snug & w>m to smoke a pipe 9 aft]w>ds be=e turn+ 94 ,/ep on1 ,jack1 & h supp] ready 9 half an h\r1 :ile ,i g r\nd by ! ,rectory & see if ! two "y g5tlem5 are at home4 ,!y are ! "r sort1 & z ke5 z ,pepp] aft] ! rabbits1 & !y always h half a doz5 good t]ri]s z fond ( ! sport z !y are4 ,at ! ,rectory ,i receiv$ a k9dly welcome f ,miss ,madge ,a%field1 ! rector's only daught] & ! si/] ( ! two lads ,i came to enquire =2 & ,i 0 told t !y 7 n yet back f s*ool1 b 7 expect$ 9 ?ree days1 & t only t morn+ a lett] came f !m ask+ :5 ,i 0 likely to come & "w ! ,d5es4 ,i com=t$ ,miss ,madge1 :o at fir/ fe>$ ! pick ( ! sport might be ov] be=e h] bro!rs arriv$1 by tell+ h] t = ! next f\r days ,jack & ,i %\ld be busy doctor+ holes1 & t dur+ t "t we c\ld n away ) boys or dogs1 z bo? 7 too noisy = ! "w4 ,miss ,madge took me r\nd to ! k5nels to see "s r\gh wire-hair$ t]ri]s1 old fri5ds2 also ?ree new ones1 all suppos$ to be wond]s2 & %e told me %e w\ld arrange = h] bro!rs to br+ "o day five small beagles belong+ to a fri5d4 ,jack & ,i did our duty by ! ham & eggs t night at ! inn1 & ! pipe 9 ! old-fa%ion$ *imney corn] 0 v sweet2 & if ! b$s 7 a bit h>d & knubbly1 we did n keep awake to ?9k ( !m1 = we _h bo? be5 up s9ce day-break4 ,by eight o'clock ! next morn+ we _h f9i%$ breakfa/1 giv5 ! dogs a few m9utes' run to /ret* _! legs1 f$ ! f]rets t 7 n want$1 & 7 on our way to ! ,d5es1 ea* ) two /rong male f]rets1 a spade1 & game-bag ) cold meat & bread 9 x4 ,we 7 on our way to doctor ! burr[s1 & ?is is done by runn+ a muzzl$ f]ret t has fir/ be5 sme>$ ) a little spirits ( t> d[n e hole1 ) a l9e on x4 ,x is necess>y to keep v quiet1 s z to get ! rabbits to bolt4 ,we don't want to kill a s+le rabbit1 b only to di/urb hole aft] hole1 bolt :at rabbits we c1 & leave a nice sweet smell ( t>r$ f]ret beh9d u4 ,no "t is lo/4 ,jack goes "o way & ,i ano!r1 & e hole is visit$ till ev5+ %ades /op u2 !n back home to supp] & b$1 & at x aga9 9 ! morn+2 b on ! second day we beg9 by visit+ ea* hole we f]ret$ ! day be=e1 /opp+ !m tight d[n ) sods1 & /ick+ a piece ( :ite pap] on ! top ( su* /opp$ holes4 ,no fe> ( %utt+ 9 a rabbit1 z ! smell ( ! t>r$ f]ret w keep !m out = days2 & no fe> ( _! op5+ ! /opp+1 z ! pap] w drive !m away4 ,= f\r days ?is "w goes on1 & we are ready to wag] !re is n a hole 9 ! cliffs or ,d5es t is n doctor$1 & n a rabbit t is n above gr\nd4 ,x 0 ,w$nesday night :5 we _h f9i%$1 & t ev5+ ! two boys f ! ,rectory came d[n to ! inn to see u & get in/ructions = ! morr[2 b ,i 0 glad !y did n /ay long1 = we want$ to g to b$ e>ly1 s z to get a good night & yet be up betimes4 ,by eight o'clock next morn+1 ,jack & ,i 7 already back f ! ,d5es1 aft] hav+ run out "o ?\s& y>ds ( long nets4 ,! nets are 9 l5g?s ( ab\t "o hundr$ y>ds1 & two feet six in*es high1 made ( f9e /r+1 & ea* ( ! top & bottom me%es knott$ on to a cord t runs ! entire l5g?4 ,to set ^! nets1 !y are ?read$ on to a smoo? /ick1 f\r feet long1 & ! /ick ) ! nets on is ?r[n ov] a man's %\ld]4 ,! man walks (f ) ! nets along ! bord] ( ! piece ( gr\nd to be enclos$1 :ile ano!r1 aft] fix+ ! end ( ! fir/ net fa/ to a />t+ /ick1 foll[s beh9d4 ,z ! man ) ! net proce$s1 he lets ! net slip sl[ly (f ! /ick on 8 %\ld]1 piece by piece2 &1 z x comes d[n1 ! man beh9d picks up ! top l9e1 gives ! net a %ake1 & twi/s ! l9e r\nd ! top ( /akes previ\sly plac$ 9 ! gr\nd ab\t fifty y>ds ap>t1 tak+ c>e z he goes t ! bottom ( ! net lies = a few in*es on ! gr\nd4 ,9 ?is way squ>es ( gorse ( ab\t two hundr$ y>ds c be entirely enclos$1 & e rabbit inside !m surr\nd$ l %eep inside a fold4 ,our breakfa/ ov]1 we 7 soon out aga9 ) all our dogs 7except old ,*ance1 :o _h be5 left at home on acc\nt ( h] age1 & also on acc\nt ( h] trick ( always lik+ to g up to ! c>ri]'s ea* night to sleep71 & we _h also two real good lur*]s4 ,at ! foot ( ! ,d5es we met ! boys f ! ,rectory1 ) a fri5d ab\t _! own age1 & ! curate ( ! next p>i% ) a bus9ess-l a% /ick "u 8 arm2 & among !m !y _h mu/]$ a pack ( t5 t]ri]s1 "s ( :i* want$ to beg9 "w by a fight ) my dogs2 b x takes two to make a qu>rel1 & my dogs knew bett] ?an to wa/e _! /r5g? 9 fight+ :5 !re 0 a day's "w 9 front ( !m4 ,9 a few m9utes we 7 at ! fir/ piece ( nett$ gorse--a real te>]1 close1 compact & a mass ( ?orns2 b :at dogs or boys c>e = gorse ?orns :5 rabbits are on foot8 ,s x is1 ,ov] y g1 boys6 ,hie 91 dogs6 ,r\/ !m out !re6 & ! old dogs spr+ ! nets & are at "w 9 a m9ute1 :ile ! "y ones blund] & /ruggle 9 ! nets1 & h to be lift$ ov]4 ,! curate1 ,jack & ,i1 & ! man :o drove ! c>t ) ! nets1 & :o w c>ry (f ! dead rabbits1 /& at ! nets & take out & kill ! rabbits t get caught2 & = ! fir/ h\r we h z mu* z we c d1 & "w our h>de/4 ,_m rabbits d get ?r\gh ! nets1 & o!rs g back1 & ^! latt] x is difficult to get into ! nets a second "t1 & !y are kill$ by ! dogs 9 ! ?ick gorse4 ,yap6 yap6 yap6 ,hie 91 good dogs6 hie 91 "y ones6 ,ah6 back !re6 back6 no go+ ov] ! nets6 ,w\ld y8 ,look "h6 hie !re6 9 y g6 ,yap6 yap6 yap6 all scurry1 ru% & bu/le2 & ! ,rectory boys & _! fri5d are all ov] ! squ>e at once1 & 9 t5 m9utes s t+le f innum]able pricks f ! gorse t !y are b5umb$ & feel !m no m4 ,g1 ,fly1 g6 & a big h>e da%es out1 ) ,fly aft] x1 & bo? jump ! net & make = ano!r clump ( gorse2 b ,fly has nev] be5 beat5 s9ce %e 0 a puppy1 & soon returns ) ! h>e 9 h] m\?4 ,hie 91 dogs6 hie 96 ,!re are m yet1 & we are b\nd to make a clean sweep2 & s ! "w goes on4 ,fir/ "o pat*1 & !n ano!r1 till lun*-"t1 :i* said lun*1 accord+ to a long-/&+ cu/om1 comes up 9 a c>t f ! ,rectory2 b aft] snat*+ a hurri$ bit1 ! man & ,i h to bu/le away to %ift ! nets1 a "w t keeps u h>d at x = an h\r & m2 b long be=e we h done1 ! boys1 p>son & dogs are at x aga9 9 "o ( ! fir/ pat*es we h surr\nd$1 & x is night & ! moon is up be=e we h f9i%$ & pick$ up ! nets4 ,we f9d on c\nt+ ! bag t we h two hundr$ & sev5ty rabbits1 & feel cont5t ) our day's "w4 ,on ,friday & ,saturday ! same "w1 & :5 we turn$ homew>ds on ?is la/ night1 x 0 z mu* z man1 boys or dogs c\ld d to drag !mselves along2 b we _h kill$ six hundr$ & fifty rabbits 9 ! ?ree days & 7 well cont5t4 ,,*apt] ,,ix4 ,sunday 0 to u all a real day ( re/1 & we enjoy$ e m9ute ( x1 & = once li/5$ to a v long s]mon )\t ! fidgets4 ,! ,rectory boys came up = a *at 9 ! aft]noon1 s we let ! dogs out & w5t d[n to ! bea* & /roll$ quietly ab\t1 nei!r dogs nor humans indulg+ 9 any?+ l play--all 7 too /iff & sore to ?9k ( x4 ,we 7 all out aga9 e>ly on ,monday morn+1 b )\t nets & tak+ only /icks2 & we sp5t a %ort day1 ) a long lun*1 look+ up outly+ rabbits 9 ! h$ges ( ! f>m at ! foot ( ! ,d5es2 & "h ! two lur*]s1 :o dur+ ! days at ! nets _h tak5 x easy & refus$ to face ! gorse1 _h ! *ief ( ! "w1 = directly a rabbit 0 />t$ by ! o!r dogs1 x made /raight (f across ! op5 = ! gorse on ! ,d5es1 & ! lur*]s 7 ! only dogs fa/ en\gh to cat* !m4 ,we f9ally _h to give up "w because ! dogs ( all sorts 7 too tir$ to move1 & also because ! wea!r1 t _h be5 f9e & calm all ! previ\s week1 began to break1 & be=e we rea*$ %elt] !re 0 half a gale s5d+ big gre5 waves ?und]+ on to ! bea* & c>ry+ ! salt spray f> inl&4 ,t night1 aft] ,jack 0 9 b$ & asleep1 ,i put on my hat & w5t out1 call$ by ! noise ( ! wat]s4 ,i jo9$ a gr\p ( wea!r-beat5 h>d-featur$ m5 dress$ 9 ?ick blue j]seys & s\-we/] hats1 :o /ood ) _! h&s tuck$ deep into _! tr\s] pockets1 wat*+ ! sea f beh9d ! %elt] ( a boat /r&$ high up on ! bea*4 ,i got a civil ^w ( greet+ z ,i came up1 & !n we all wat*$ 9 sil5ce1 = by ?is "t ! half gale _h become a /orm1 & x 0 only by %\t+ we c\ld h made ea* o!r he>4 ,x 0 a wild weird sc5e1 awe-inspir+1 b int5sely attractive--at lea/ ,i f\nd x s2 b !n su* sc5es did n (t5 come be=e me1 & ,i d>esay my companions1 :o 7 well us$ to be+ out on su* a night1 only felt ?ankful !y 7 safe on %ore1 & ?\ght ) anxiety ( ^? ( _! fri5ds & neighb\rs :o 7 out battl+ ) ! /orm4 ,! moon :5 ,i rea*$ ! bea* 0 ne>ly at ! full & high up 9 ! heav5s1 b x %$ a fitful light1 z ea* few seconds d>k cl\ds & veils ( mi/ flew across its face4 ,"o mom5t ! sea lay be=e u a d>k black mass1 only m>k$ along ! bea* by a broad /rip ( break+1 foam-cre/$ waves2 & ! next x 0 a danc+1 toss+1 ro>+ %eet ( ev]-*ang+ liquid silv]2 or f> away we w\ld see ! spray l pe>ls ris+ high 9 ! air be=e ! /orm1 & at our feet ! waves curl$ up l huge furi\s mon/]s1 da%+ at ! s&s & %+le z if b5t on de/ruction1 & !n ) a swirl slid+ back1 a mass ( foam1 to meet & jo9 ! next wave1 & ) its help aga9 come on to ! attack4 ,ov] & ov] aga9 ,i fanci$ ,i c\ld he> ! %rieks & groans ( p 9 di/ress1 & ,i turn$ = confirmation ( my fancies to ! faces ( my companions2 b all rema9$ unmov$1 b bore ! quiet det]m9$ look t assur$ me t1 _h any un=tunate be+s call$ = help f ! mid/ ( ^? wild wat]s1 at ! risk ( ^? m5's lives x w\ld unhesitat+ly h be5 giv54 ,once = a mom5t1 :5 a ?9 mi/ swept be=e ! moon & made ! light on ! wat]s appe> m l day ?an night1 ,i cle>ly saw on ! horizon ! upp] "p ( a %ip's ma/s1 ) "s sails b5t to _! y>ds1 & all heel$ ov] z if ! %ip 7 !n ab\t to f\nd]1 & ,i gave a l\d exclamation2 b an old sailor put 8 h& on my %\ld] & call$ 9 my e>1 ,all "r1 ma/]1 all "r6 ,we h wat*$ h] = a qu>t] ( an h\r try+ to make ! po9t ( ! s&s yond]1 & %e is n[ pa/ !m & has an op5 sea4 ,%e is z safe z y are n[1 ?ank ,god2 b x 0 a ne> %ave1 & we ?\ght %e & all 9 h] 7 gone4 ,(t5 s9ce !n 9 my dreams ,i h se5 t w9d-toss$ sea1 & he>d ! ro> ( ! wat]s & ! screams ( ! /orm1 & se5 ^? ma/s & sails heel+ ov]1 & h awoke ) a />t & dread fe> 9 my he>t4 ,i _h be5 tir$ :5 ,i came 9 f "w1 & ,i _h a snug w>m b$ wait+ = me1 & moreov] ,i reason$ t wat*+ a /orm 9 ! dead ( night 0 no "p ( a rat-cat*]'s duty2 b ,i 0 s fasc9at$ ,i c\ld n te> myself away1 & ,i /ood ) my companions beh9d ! boat till long aft] midnight4 ,!n two o!r figures dress$ l my companions jo9$ u1 & x 0 only :5 !y spoke t ,i recognis$ "o z ! p>son ( ! p>i%1 & ! o!r z ! "y curate :o _h help$ u ) ! rabbits4 ,bo? ask$ a few que/ions ( ! sailors1 :o seem$ eag] to give !m in=mation2 & !n ! rector1 turn+ to me1 said3 ,y w be p]i%$ by ! cold if y /& "h long]4 ,come ) me1 & ,i w %[ y a picture ( a diff]5t sort1 b yet "o t ,i ?9k w int]e/ y4 ,i readily accept$ & foll[$ my fri5d1 :o1 ?\gh f> f a "y man1 bore ! buffet+ ( ! /orm manfully2 & he l$ me up ?r\gh ! village /reet1 & !n turn+ d[n a %ort /eep lane br\ght me to a little cove t 0 p>tly %elt]$ by a spit ( rock t jutt$ out into ! sea4 ,!re1 su* z x 01 0 ! h>b\r ( ! village1 & by ! fitful light ,i c\ld see "s doz5 fi%+ boats drawn up high on ! bea* above ! =ce ( ! waves2 & beyond1 a clu/] ( l[1 "o-/ori$ cottages & %$s1 ) small boats1 sp>s1 timb]s1 w9dlasses1 etc41 all d5ot+ ! home ( fi%]m54 ,f ?is cove1 e>ly t morn+1 two boats _h sail$ ) _! nets = ! fi%+ gr\nds out beyond ! s&s1 & x 0 = ^! my fri5ds beh9d ! boat 7 pati5tly wat*+1 & x 0 to say a few words to *e] & com=t ! wives & families ( ^! m5 t ! old rector _h n[ come4 ,f a lattic$ w9d[ j 9 front ( u a bright lamp %$ its rays ov] ! cove1 & ! rector took me /raight to ! door ( ?is h\se1 & hav+ knock$ & be5 told to come 91 he lift$ ! lat* & u%]$ me inside4 ,! room 0 l hundr$s ( o!rs along t coa/1 ! homes ( ! toil]s ( ! deep1 & bore evid5t signs ( be+ made by m5 m us$ to %ips ?an /one or brick build+s4 ,x 0 a good l>ge room1 v l[1 ) heavy raft]s ov]head1 :i*1 ) ! planks ( :i* ! walls 7 con/ruct$1 _h d\btless be5 tak5 f boats & %ips t _h s]v$ _! "t on ! sea4 ,! op5 fireplace at ! end1 ) its wide *imney1 0 ! only "p ( ! build+ n made ( old %ip timb]s & planks1 & !re 0 a /rong smell ( t> f ^! & f sundry coils ( d>k rope t 7 /[$ away 9 a f> corn]4 ,! long table d[n ! middle ( ! room 0 ( mahogany & _h se5 bett] days 9 a capta9's cab94 ,! b5*es r\nd ! walls _h s]v$ z seats on "s big %ip's deck2 & !re 7 sw++ lamps & racks hung ov]head f ! raft]s1 ) rudd]s1 boat-hook1 snat*-block1 belay+ p9s1 & v>i\s ?+s ,i did n "k ! use (2 b all 7 neatly arrang$4 ,!re 0 a l>ge arm-*air made out ( a b>rel set ready by ! side ( ! he>?1 on :i* 7 spread clean flannel clo!s to w>m & air1 9 read9ess = ! home-com+ ( ! wet & tir$ husb&4 ,9 front ( ! fire1 att5d+ to x & to ?ree or f\r pots & kettles t simm]$ on ! he>?1 /ood a woman ab\t ?irty ye>s ( age--j an ord9>y fi%]man's wife1 /rong & well %ap$1 )\t beauty ( feature1 b bright & intellig5t look+2 & :5 a smile lit up h] face1 x %$ su* a k9dly ray t "o felt t ! husb& 9 ! little fi%+ boat on ! /orm-toss$ deep might h 8 eyes fix$ on ! lant]n burn+ 9 ! w9d[1 b x w\ld be ! light ( ! wife's smile t kept 8 h& /eady on ! helm & guid$ ! boat1 & made him long to r\nd ! po9t & come to an*or4 ,on ! o!r side ( ! he>? 0 ano!r arm-*air1 also made out ( a b>rel1 b mu* small]2 & 9 ?is1 pack$ tightly & snugly r\nd ) cu%ions1 half-sat1 half-recl9$ a boy ab\t t5 ye>s ( age2 b1 alas6 a pair ( crut*es lean+ 9 ! corn] beside him at once told a sad tale4 ,i "k ! po9ts & beauties ( all sorts ( dogs1 & always admire !m1 b ,i am n mu* ( a h& at ! good po9ts & beauties ( m5 & wom51 & z = boys1 x is r>e ,i see any?+ b mis*ief writt5 9 _! faces2 b someh[ ,i c\ld n take my eyes (f ! boy 9 ! *air4 ,i suppose because x 0 s diff]5t to an o!r "y face ,i _h ev] se51 & s diff]5t to :at "o might expect to f9d amid ! surr\nd+s ( a fi%]man's cottage4 ,x 0 a d>k1 delicate1 oval face1 l a girl's1 ) f9ely cut features1 & a complexion z fair z ! petals ( an apple blossom2 b x 0 8 great br[n eyes & long eyela%es1 black z night1 t held ! att5tion1 toge!r ) a look ( deep pati5t suff]+1 m+l$ ) g5tl5ess & love t lit all up1 & fill$ ev5 ! he>t ( a r\gh old rat-cat*] l me ) a feel+ ( deep pity & an int5se desire to protect & befri5d a small creature :o look$ too fragile1 too beautiful1 & too good = ?is old "w-a-day _w ( ours1 & z if he 7 only t>ry+ = a %ort :ile be=e go+ to 8 et]nal home1 :]e 8 features w be beautifi$ by p]fect love1 & w lose ! look ( suff]+ & pa94 ,! rector1 tak+ (f 8 s\'-we/] z he ent]$1 turn$ to ! woman ) a *e]y voice1 & said1 ,well1 ,m>y1 h[ are y & ! boy8--h[ are y1 my man8 ,i happ5$ to be pass+ 7j z if x 7 q a common ?+ = a p>son to be out on ! loose at "o a4m4 on a w9t]'s night71 & ,i ?\ght ,i w\ld j call 9 to say t ! m5 at ! boats tell me t ! b>k ( ?is gale is f> worse ?an its bite1 & t x is a fair1 hone/1 rattl+ gale t su* good sailors z y\r husb& c>e no?+ =1 & t we may expect ! boats 9 ) ! daylight1 s y may keep ! pots boil+4 ,b :y isn't t y\ng/] snug 9 b$ & asleep8 ,oh6 he c't sleep :5 ! w9d h[ls1 & ,jack is away6 ,:y1 my boy1 ,jack w laugh at y :5 he comes home1 & say he don't want su* big1 tir$-look+ eyes wat*+ = him6 ,well1 x w be morn+ soon1 &1 please ,god1 ,jack w be "h1 & w h popp$ y into b$ himself be=e mo/ ( ! _w are up & ab\t4 ,at ?is ,m>y smil$2 & ! little boy1 ) a l[ laugh1 said3 ,jack kn[s ,m>y & ,i are wait+ = him4 ,jack says he c (t5 see u1 & all we are do+1 :5 he is out at sea 9 a rag+ /orm1 & ! night is ev] s d>k2 & he'd feel bad1 ,jack w\ld1 if ,i 0 n up to see him eat 8 supp]2 & besides1 ,m>y c\ld n sit "h alone & li/5 to ! w9d & sea1 & ,i am nev] tir$ & sleepy :5 wait+ = ,jack4 ,besides1 ,jack says he mu/ tell someone all he has done & se5 :ile he gets 8 supp]1 & ,m>y is too busy aft] ! nets & ?+s1 s ,i sit "h1 & ,jack tells me ( su* wond]ful ?+s3 x is j lovely to he> him4 ,! rector w\ld n sit d[n1 & soon hurri$ me (f to ano!r cottage1 mu* su* ano!r z ! fir/2 b in/ead ( ,m>y & ! boy1 we f\nd a great1 tall1 gaunt old woman1 sitt+ up be=e ! fire1 wait+ = h] two gr&sons1 :o 7 away 9 ! same boat ) ,jack2 b to ! rector's *e]y1 hopeful words1 ! woman answ]$ ) a bitt]1 %>p1 compla9+ tongue3 ,i don't want no /op-at-home idle *aps to tell me :at a /orm is4 ,dang]6 :o says !re's dang]8 ,dang] ) a little puff ( w9d l ?is8 ,n b :at bo? ( ^? boys w be wa%$ a%ore "o day z _! gr&fa!r & fa!r 74 ,x's 9 ! blood1 & try+ = a lone woman4 ,drat ! boys6 ,i told !m n to g (f ) ,jack4 ,i c\ld see pla9 = days t x 0 com+ on to bl[2 b oh1 no6 !y "k bett] ?an me1 :o h liv$ to lose _! fa!r 9 su* a /orm z ?is1 & to see 8 boat ) my own eyes g to pieces on ! ,po9t z %e came 91 & n a man sav$1 & me left ) !m boys to keep4 ,god only kn[s h[ ,i did x1 & n[ !y are t ma/]ful !y won't pay no att5tion to me4 ,& !n1 z a hurricane ( w9d da%$ at ! door & w9d[s & s5t ! smoke f ! wood fire f> out into ! room1 ! poor old ?+ />t$ & turn$ to ! night outside ) a look ( t]ror2 &1 z ! /orm ru%$ on1 & !n !re 0 a lull1 %e ?rew h] apron ov] h] head & sobb$ = fe> & deep anxiety = h] gr&sons4 ,! rector com=t$ h] ) g5tle words & praise ( h] pluck & n]ves2 & z he & ,i return$ to ! bea*1 he told me t ! old woman _h once be5 ! prettie/ girl = _m miles r\nd1 t :5 h] boys 7 f> too "y to help h] ! fa!r _h be5 dr[n$ by ! upsett+ ( 8 boat on ! ,po9t1 & f t day %e _h work$ & toil$1 m5d+ nets & sell+ fi% 9 fair wea!r & f\l1 (t5 we>y & half-/>v$1 b succe$+ 9 ! end to keep h] old cottage ov] h] head1 & to br+ h] boys up respectably & turn !m out two ( ! sm>te/ fi%]m5 along ! coa/4 ,z we left ! cottage ! fir/ t5d] light ( ! morn+ 0 pal+ ! ea/]n sky f> out to sea1 & ha/5+ on to ! ,po9t1 we c\ld j make out a di/ant sail appe>+ n[ & !n out ( ! dep>t+ d>kness ( ! night1 & be=e half an h\r 0 ov] ! rector decl>$ x to be ,jack's boat com+ 9 fa/ be=e ! w9d4 ,all ! village 0 a/ir 9 a m9ute1 old m5 & "y wom5 & *ildr5 hurry+ to ! cove & mak+ ready = ! home-com+2 & 9 a few m9utes ! boat1 ) ,jack hold+ ! helm & ! old woman's boys sitt+ cr\*$ l[ d[n1 da%$ pa/ ! ,po9t1 turn$ %>p into ! cove1 & d[n 9 a mom5t fell ! sail & ! an*or-*a9 rattl$ out ( ! b[s4 ,!re 0 no *e]+ or noisy welcome or rejoic+1 = su* sc5es 7 ! daily incid5ts 9 ! life ( ! village2 b ev]yone l5t a help+ h&1 & 9 a few m9utes ,jack & 8 m5 7 on %ore4 ,! old gr&mo!r 0 !re1 b took no notice ( h] gr&sons1 :o m>*$ (f to ! cottage lad5 ) o>s1 etc41 :]e ! old woman _h j prec$$ !m to put out ! breakfa/4 ,! rector & ,i turn$ to g home1 & z ,i pass$ ! cottage :]e ,jack liv$ ,i glanc$ 9 & saw him /&+ on ! he>?1 tall1 massive1 wea!r-beat5 & rugg$1 ) ! lame boy high up 9 8 arms look+ h>d 9 8 face1 & bo? man & *ild _h su* a happy cont5t$ smile on _! faces t x did me good to see1 & ,i ?9k may h rejoic$ ev5 ! angels above4 ,:5 p>t+ f me at ! inn door1 ! rector said t if ,i lik$ to /ep up to ! rectory t ev5+ aft] my supp] he w\ld f9d me a pipe ( tobacco1 & tell me all t 0 kn[n ( ! hi/ory ( ! little boy :o _h awak5$ su* an int]e/ 9 me1 =1 he add$1 x is a v curi\s /ory4 ,,*apt] ,x4 ,at eight o'clock1 hav+ f$ my dogs & f]rets & left my boy ,jack *att+ 9 ! h>ness-room ) ! rector's old coa*man1 ,i f\nd myself 9 a snug arm-*air1 pipe 9 m\?1 my feet on ! f5d]1 & ! rector sitt+ opposite me 9 8 /udy1 he also enjoy+ an aft]-d9n] pipe2 & aft] a *at ov] ! ev5ts ( ! day & ( ! /orm ( ! previ\s night1 ! rector began ! hi/ory ( ! poor lame boy at ! cottage ?us-- ,i d>e say y rememb] t ab\t eight ye>s ago ! ,iri% "q 0 giv+ ! au?orities mu* tr\ble & anxiety ow+ to ! active turn x _h !n tak54 ,hide\s murd]s 7 ( daily occurr5ce 9 t un=tunate c\ntry4 ,dynamite 0 be+ us$ 9 ,london to de/roy our public build+s1 & _m ( our /atesm5 7 be+ track$ by paid assass9s4 ,/rict ord]s _h be5 issu$ by ! au?orities to wat* all our ports to prev5t ! l&+ f ,am]ica ( arms & inf]nal ma*9es1 & bo? ! police & ,cu/oms (fic]s 7 on ! al]t2 & yet1 9 spite ( all1 blood?ir/y1 c[>dly dynamit]s & assass9s succe$$ 9 sneak+ into ! c\ntry1 & e n[ & !n p]petrat$ "s hateful outrage4 ,well1 x 0 dur+ ?is "t t "o ,novemb] morn+ a que]-look+ ya*t-l vessel appe>$ 9 ! (f+1 & = two days kept /&+ ab\t4 ,dur+ ! day-"t x 0 well out 9 ! (f+1 b once or twice at night x 0 notic$ by ! coa/gu>d & sailors to h come close 9 to l&1 & altoge!r its movem5ts 7 s my/]i\s t our suspicions 7 fully ar\s$1 & ! (fic] ( ! coa/gu>d telegraph$ to ! capta9 ( ! gunboat /ation$ at ,brockm\? to put him on ! al]t4 ,= "s days aft] ?is no?+ 0 se5 ( ! ya*t1 & our suspicions 7 lull$1 & life 9 our quiet little village _h settl$ d[n to its usual r\t9e1 :5 e>ly "o /ormy morn+ ! /range vessel 0 aga9 se5 close (f ! l&1 & a boat mann$ by six m5 put (f = ! little h>b\r2 & j z x r\nd$ ! ,po9t & got into smoo? wat]1 a dog-c>t1 t we all recognis$ z "o let out = hire 9 a t[n t5 miles inl&1 drove d[n to ! bea*4 ,beside ! driv] sat a tall1 ?91 d>k man1 b ! few p on ! bea* _h only "t to obs]ve ?is & t he _h ! dress & appe>ance ( a g5tleman1 :5 he sprang f ! c>t & hurri$ to :]e ! boat lay1 & )\t hesitat+ a mom5t or speak+ to anyone he wad$ out ?r\gh ! l[ surf to ! boat1 :i* at once left ! h>b\r & made ! be/ ( its way to ! ya*t1 :i* z soon z all 7 on bo>d hoi/$ all sail & 0 soon out ( sight1 driv5 along by a /orm t became 9 ! c\rse ( ! day z fi]ce a "o z t ( la/ night4 ,!re 0 mu* talk on ! bea* among ! fi%]m5 & 9 ! village among u all z to :at ! ya*t c\ld be & :o ! /rang] 02 & we ga!r$ f ! driv] ( ! dog-c>t1 :o _h put up 8 horse at ! inn to re/1 t he _h be5 call$ by ! port] at ! railway /ation to drive ! g5tleman ov]2 b t he _h n he>d 8 "n1 or :at bus9ess br\ght him "h4 ,! driv]1 :o 0 a %>p old fell[1 said ! g5tleman _h *att$ ) him z he came along1 b kept press+ him to drive fa/] & fa/]1 & gave him five %ill+s above 8 f>e to use 8 be/ spe$1 & he add$3 ',i don't "k :o he is1 or :at 8 bus9ess may be1 b ,i "k "o ?+--he is an ,iri%man4 ,i c tell x by 8 tongue1 & by 8 que]-look+ blue eyes & d>k hair4' ,f\r & tw5ty h\rs pass$1 & dur+ t "t _m p1 ,i among ! numb]1 did n g to b$1 = ! /orm :i* _h sprung up ) ! dep>t+ ya*t _h bl[n itself into half a hurricane1 & !re 7 fi%+ boats out1 :i* made u all anxi\s4 ,z we did la/ night1 or r ?is morn+1 ,i w5t r\nd to a few ( ! fi%]m5's h\ses :]e !re 7 anxi\s wives & mo!rs wait+ = ! abs5t1 & *att$ ) & *e]$ !m1 & ,i 0 leav+ ! two cottages t ,i d>esay y notic$ close "u ! rock t[>ds ! ,po9t :5 ! fir/ /reaks ( morn+ began to appe> 9 ! ea/4 ,i love to see ! day break at any "t1 b ,i especially l to wat* x ov] a /ormy angry sea2 & !re=e %elt]+ myself a little beh9d a b\ld]1 ,i /ood gaz+ = a :ile1 :5 pres5tly1 l a ?+ ( life1 came plung+ & driv+ f ! v gates ( ! morn+ ! same ya*t t _h s puzzl$ u4 ,on & on x came1 close-haul$ to ! w9d1 /raight = ! n>r[ rock-b\nd jaws ( ! cove2 & ,i saw at a glance t1 if x kept its c\rse1 x mu/ /rike on a gr\p ( rocks "s half-mile out at sea2 &1 p>son z ,i am1 ,i knew1 %\ld %e /rike !m1 no human aid c\ld save ! lives ( ^? on bo>d4 ,i h>dly "k :at ,i did1 except t ,i took (f my coat & wav$ x frantically1 & m\nt$ ! highe/ p9nacle on ! rocky po9t to make myself se5 by ! fat$ crew2 b ?\gh at la/ ,i c\ld actually di/+ui% two m5 at ! :eel hold+ ! vessel close to ! w9d1 yet !y took no notice1 & came on & on1 leap+ waves m\nta9s high "o m9ute1 & lo/ to sight ! next 9 ! tr\gh ( ! seas4 ,scores ( fi%]m5 soon jo9$ me1 & ev5 _! wives foll[$ & cr\*$ ne>1 beh9d ! rocks2 & s fully 0 ! %ip's dang] realiz$1 t f "t to "t a deep groan1 half ( despair1 half pray]1 w5t up f all4 ,!re 0 b "o hope--c\ld ! ya*t be kept close en\gh to ! w9d to lead ^? /e]+ h] to believe !y c\ld make ! entrance ( ! h>b\r8 or w\ld %e be c>ri$ f> en\gh to w9dw>d to make ?is impossible1 & s =ce ^? 9 *>ge to alt] h] c\rse to avoid ! /iff cliffs beyond8 ,ah1 no6 ,we saw z we wat*$ t %e 0 too good a vessel to fall (f to leew>d1 & ^? h&l+ h] too good sailors to all[ h] to d s1 = %e flew ov] ! waves l a beautiful bird = ! entrance ( ! h>b\r1 & ! sunk5 rocks 7 9 h] direct l9e6 ,sudd5ly z we wat*$1 ) e s5se /ra9$ to ! utmo/1 & our eyes rivett$ on ! doom$ %ip1 we he>d away out to sea ! boom ( a big gun1 & !n ano!r1 & pres5tly we saw em]g+ f ! fa/ dim9i%+ d>kness a l[1 long /eam]4 ,at fir/ we ?\ght x 0 a %ip also 9 deep di/ress1 mak+ signals2 b ! old sailors soon saw ?is 0 n s1 & decl>$ x 0 a gunboat fir+ at ! ya*t 9 ! hope ( driv+ h] on to ! rock-b\nd coa/1 & also to attract ! att5tion ( ! coa/gu>d1 s t1 %\ld %e rea* ! h>b\r1 ^? on bo>d might be prev5t$ f escap+ ! h&s ( ju/ice4 ,x 0 a cruel s]vice = ,briti% sailors to be employ$ on1 h[ev] necess>y1 & h>d to witness4 ,man hunt+ man to 8 dea?1 :5 ! w9d & waves already held op5 ! portals ( et]nity be=e him1 & little %ort ( a miracle c\ld av]t 8 doom6 ,a few m9utes1 a few hundr$ y>ds1 & ! ya*t is on ! rocks6 ,gallantly %e glides along ! side ( t gre5 wave & da%es ! foam f h] cre/ ere %e plunges deep into ! sea4 ,a mon/] wave rolls fa/ ^u h] z if to swall[ h] quiv]+ =m4 ,high1 high %e rises1 till half h] l5g? is 9 ! air ov] ! cre/ ( ! wave1 & !n d[n %e s9ks2 !n ! cra% comes4 ,waves da% ov] h]1 h] ma/s fall1 h] boats are wr5*$ f h] sides1 & ! next m9ute we see h]1 a tangl$ mass ( wreck & cordage1 firmly emb$d$ on ! pitiless rocks4 ,don't suppose our fi%]m5 _h be5 quietly wat*+ ?is & do+ no?+ to help4 ,f ! fir/1 prep>ations _h be5 made4 ,our fri5d ,jack1 & a score ( o!r active "y m51 _h %ov$ (f ! only boat on ! bea* t _h ! fa9te/ hope ( liv+ 9 a /orm l ?is1 & _h be5 wait+ 9 x close to ! h>b\r m\? "s m9utes be=e ! ya*t /ruck4 ,b s small 0 ! *ance ( t frail boat liv+ 9 su* a sea1 t _m ( ! mo/ exp]i5c$ ( ! sailors made signals to prev5t ! m5 />t+ (f to meet :at !y ?\ght 0 c]ta9 dea?4 ,o!rs ?\ght x might be done1 & wav$ contr>y signals2 & x 0 !n t "o saw :at sort ( wom5 our sailors' wives are1 = ?\gh _m /&+ !re ) u _h ne> & de> ones 9 t boat1 & 7 suff]+ tortures ( anxiety1 n a ^w 0 spok51 b all 0 left = ! m5 to d z !y ?\ght "r4 ,z ! ya*t /ruck1 a deep1 wail+ %\t w5t up f all on l&1 & ^? 9 ! boat knew :at _h happ5$1 & ! next mom5t we saw ! boat plunge into ! gre5 waves at ! h>b\r m\?4 ,= a mom5t x seem$ to /agg] & quail1 & !n1 impell$ by ^? h&s & muscles ( iron1 x 0 driv5 =w>d ?r\gh ! bl9d+ spray into ! angry sea beyond4 ,%all ,i ev] =get h[ we wat*$ t boat1 n[ m\nt$ high on ! top ( a wave1 n[ = mom5ts lo/ to sight1 ! m5 all /ra9+ at _! o>s to ! utmo/1 & always creep+ =w>d y>d by y>d8 ,all ?is "t1 we on ! ,po9t c\ld see1 ) increas+ fe>s1 t ! hope ( ! ya*t hold+ toge!r till rea*$ by ! rescu]s 0 b a fa9t "o4 ,ea* mon/] wave t roll$ 9 lift$ x f ! rocks & left x to fall back ) an irresi/ible =ce mid/ spray & foam1 t con/antly :olly hid x f our sight2 & ev5 be=e ! boat />t$1 portions ( ! wreck 7 be+ toss$ ab\t on ! sea1 mak+ its passage ev5 m prec>i\s4 ,at "o "t a gr\p ( human be+s 0 se5 on ! deck cl++ to "s cordage2 b :5 ! next wave pass$1 mo/ ( !m _h disappe>$1 & we knew !y _h p]i%$ be=e our eyes4 ,x 0 difficult to di/+ui% objects mid/ ! turmoil1 b x soon 0 :isp]$ among u t "s "o or m p]sons 7 cr\*+ beh9d ! bulw>ks1 probably la%$ !re = safety1 & f an occasional flutt] ( a r$ sc>f or g>m5t1 we fe>$ !re 0 an un=tunate woman among !m2 & once1 z ! waves rec$$ f ! deck1 we di/9ctly saw a man rise up f ! gr\p & look = a mom5t t[>ds ! approa*+ boat1 & !n s9k aga9 beside 8 companions1 j z ! incom+ wave swept high ov] ! poor %elt] ! /\t bulw>k af=d$4 ,if ! ya*t c\ld only hold toge!r a few m9utes long]6 ,b no6 once m x rises f its b$ l "s agonis$1 dy+ mon/]1 & !n z x falls back x p>ts 9 two1 & half ( x is a drift+ mass ( planks & timb]1 wa%+ =w>d z if to meet ! boat & de/roy x4 ,a portion yet rema9$ fix$ on ! rock1 & n[ & !n we c\ld /ill see ! gr\p cr\*+ beh9d ! bulw>k4 ,on & on f\ght ! boat1 n[ a little out ( ! direct l9e to avoid ! wreckage1 till x 0 close beh9d ! wreck & p>tially %elt]$ by ! ramp>t x =m$ aga9/ ! sea2 b at t mom5t all t rema9$ ( x 0 aga9 lift$ high 9 ! air & da%$ =w>d2 & :5 ! wave _h pass$ by1 !re 0 only ! frail boat ) its brave crew to be se5 on ! surface4 ,we see x pause = a mom5t1 & !n ! o>s all dip toge!r1 & ! boat da%es =w>d4 ,someone leans ov] ! b[s1 & !re is a mom5t's /ruggle2 b ! mi/ & foam prev5t our di/+ui%+ cle>ly :at is go+ on4 ,aft] a :ile !y evid5tly f9d !re is no?+ fur!r t c be done2 ! boat is put be=e ! waves & comes da%+ back t[>ds l&4 ,all on ! ,po9t hurri$ d[n to ! entrance ( ! h>b\r2 & _m ( ! m51 ) coils ( rope 9 _! h&s1 /ood ready to give assi/ance4 ,z ea* wave roll$ "u ! boat1 x flew ?r\gh ! wat]1 & !n sank back aga9 hidd5 f our sight2 b ne>] & ne>] x came on1 till at la/ on ! cre/ ( a wave x d>t$ %>p r\nd ! ,po9t1 & lay toss+ 9 comp>atively calm wat]4 ,/eadily its crew r[$ x up ! little h>b\r1 & z x approa*$ ! bea* scores ( ready h&s seiz$ x & ran x high up on to dry l&1 & a *e] rang out above ! ro> ( ! w9d to welcome ^? snat*$ f ! jaws ( dea?4 ,b ?is 0 n respond$ to by ! m5 9 ! boat4 ,!y all look$ /]n & anxi\s2 & !n we saw t ,jack1 :o 0 cr\*$ 9 ! b[s1 0 support+ 9 8 arms ! slight =m ( a fair "y girl1 ) long1 s(t1 tangl$ hair fall+ ar\nd h] & =m+ a frame to ! mo/ beautiful sa9t-l face my eyes _h ev] se54 ,h] lips 7 p>t$ 9 a smile1 & h] eyes look$ d[n on a small boy ab\t two ye>s old1 :o 0 b\nd 9 h] arms by a r$ sc>f4 ,at fir/ ,i ?\ght %e 0 fa9t+ or fall+ asleep1 b ! next mom5t--m]ciful ,heav5s6--,i saw t ! back ( h] sweet "y head 0 batt]$ 9 & ble$+1 & t %e 0 already beyond ! /orms ( life & ! cruel rag+ ( ! de/roy+ elem5ts4 ,h>d horny h&s ( r\gh wom5 t5d]ly & deftly unw\nd ! sc>f f (f ! *ild2 & ,jack's wife1 ,m>y1 press+ him to h] bosom1 ha/5$ ) him to h] cottage1 :ile ! fair dead =m 0 c>ri$ to a fi%]man's h\se close by1 & a few days lat] 0 laid 9 its quiet grave 9 ! old *ur*y>d1 )9 s\nd ( ! ru?less sea t _h s cruelly beat5 ! "y life out ( x4 ,y may easily f9d ! grave1 = ! fi%]m5 out ( _! deep pity _h a pla9 cross put ov] x1 ) j ! words ',jack's "m' & ! date ( h] dea? c>v$ ^u x4 ,to ?is day1 & ,i fancy = ev]1 ! only "n %e w be kn[n by is ',jack's "m1' = all connect$ ) t ill-fat$ ya*t rema9s a my/]y4 ,n a liv+ creature escap$1 except t frail little *ild4 ,_m bodies 7 recov]$ dur+ ! next few days1 & among !m ! rema9s ( ! man :o _h arriv$ ! previ\s day 9 ! dog-c>t2 b nei!r on any ( ! bodies1 nor among ! wreckage t came a%ore1 0 any?+ f\nd to lead to ! id5tification ( ! ya*t or its own]s2 & ?\gh ! acc\nt ( ! disa/] appe>$ 9 all ! pap]s & 0 ! talk ( ! c\nty1 yet no liv+ s\l has ev] come =w>d to claim connection ) ! *ild or ) any ( ^? dr[n$4 ,x 0 ?\ght at ! "t t ! own] ( ! ya*t 0 "o ( ^? desp]ate ruffians ( ,iri% extraction t h f "t to "t arriv$ "h f ,am]ica1 & t :5 he s ha/ily jo9$ ! vessel he 0 9 fe> ( detection & 0 ab\t to sail = ,am]ica4 ,anyh[ ! ya*t 0 sight$ by ! gunboat s5t to look aft] x1 & *as$ & driv5 ?r\gh ! /orm back to our little h>b\r1 x be+ d\btless ! int5tion ( ! fugitive to attempt 8 escape by l& if he c\ld once rea* ! %ore4 ,h[ mis]ably x end$ y n[ "k2 b y don't "k q all1 = ,i h n told y t1 on rea*+ _! cottage1 ,jack's wife f\nd t ! little "o brea!d4 ,i h told y ( ! /orm1 & ,i h told y ( ! wreck2 b words w\ld fail to tell ( all ! love & c>e & att5tion t 0 be/[$ = weeks--aye6 = ye>s1 up to ?is day--on ! little "o4 ,only ! record+ angel c note su* ?+s1 & only ! ,god ( love c rew>d !m4 ,n t ei!r ,jack or 8 wife ?9k ( rew>ds ei!r f e>? or 9 heav51 = _! love is :olly unselfi% & all-satisfy+2 & 7 only ! boy well & /rong1 ,i am sure t 9 all ^! realms !re c\ld n be f\nd a m p]fectly happy trio ?an ,jack ! fi%]man1 little ,jack1 & 8 adopt$ "m4 ,un=tunately x 0 discov]$ t 9 "s way ! *ild's back _h be5 injur$ 9 ! /orm4 ,= mon?s he lay betwe5 life & dea?1 at la/ to recov] p>tially only 9 heal?1 & )\t ! use ( 8 poor legs4 ,_m fri5ds h come =w>d ) help1 & great ,london doctors h se5 & att5d$ ! boy4 ,till lately !y gave little hope1 b1 ?ank ,god1 !re has be5 dur+ ! pa/ ye> a sl[ b /eady improvem5t1 & !y n[ ?9k 9 "t ! boy may gr[ /rong 9 heal?1 b !re is no hope ( 8 ev] walk+ )\t 8 crut*es4 ,=tunately nature has be/[$ _m gifts on ! poor *ild t comp5sate him some:at = 8 loss--fir/1 an int5sely lov+1 unselfi% nature2 & secondly1 a p]fect voice & passionate love ( music4 ,already he is c>ri$ ea* ,sunday to *ur* by 8 fa!r1 & 8 voice 9 ! *oir is celebrat$ = _m miles r\nd1 & has s impress$ ! organi/ at ! ca!dral at ,m>%=d t he ei!r comes himself1 or s5ds "o ( 8 pupils1 to give ! boy a lesson once a week1 & !re is n a bett] viol9i/ )9 ! b\nds ( ! c\nty ?an our little ,jack is4 ,8 fa!r is s pr\d ( ! boy's gifts t ,i h kn[n him1 :5 w9d-b\nd 9 a h>b\r d[n ! coa/ tw5ty miles away1 walk ov] ! :ole di/ance on a ,sunday morn+ & back at night r ?an miss c>ry+ ! little fell[ to *ur* & he>+ him s+ !re4 ,b x is elev5 o'clock1 & we 7 up all la/ night4 ,:at1 no grog8 ,well1 good night6 ,come & see me :5 y c1 & come & wat* ! sea ) me 9 ano!r /orm1 & we w see if ,i c't rake up ano!r /ory ( ! do+s ( ! r\gh h]oes ( our neighb\rhood :o g d[n to ! sea 9 %ips4 ,good night1 good night6 ,& s "o ( ! pleasante/ ev5+s ,i _h sp5t = a long :ile 0 ov]4 ,oh1 de>6 oh1 de>6 ,:at a muddle1 :at a hodge-podge ,i h made ( ?is p5 "w6 ,i sat d[n ?9k+ x w\ld be q easy to write a book on ,rat-cat*+ = ! ,use ( ,s*ools1 & ,i h drift$ (f ! l9e "h1 toppl$ into a /ory !re1 & be5 z wild & erratic 9 my go+s on z ev5 ,pepp] w\ld be ) a doz5 rats loose toge!r 9 a ?ick h$ge4 ,well1 ,i c't help x4 ,i am n mu* good at books1 & x a9't ( mu* consequ5ce1 = dur+ ! la/ few days ,i h he>d f half a doz5 head-ma/]s ( s*ools t !y f9d ! art ( rat-cat*+ is s di/a/eful to _! s*ol>s1 & s mu* above _! intellect1 & s fatigu+ an ex]cise to ! y\?ful m9d1 t !y feel oblig$ to ab&on ! /udy ( x & replace x once m by ^? easi] & pleasant] subjects1 ,lat9 & ,greek4 ,well1 ,i am sorry = x1 v sorry4 ,i _h hop$ to h op5$ up a great c>e] to _m "y g5tlem51 b h fail$2 & ,i c only console myself ) ?9k+ t "o c't make silk purses out (--y "k :at4 ,m9d1 9 ?is quotation ,i am n ?9k+ ( myself & my failure4 ,,london3 ,,pr9t$ ,,by ,,william ,,cl[es ,,& ,,sons1 ,,limit$1 ,,/am=d ,,/reet ,,& ,,*>+ ,,cross4