f their environment to which they have been
transplanted. Back in their own native vaterland they were always used
for medium-sized game. And what is more they are _good_ at it! Come
here, Pete, they shan't abuse you!

Coyotes and bobcats are medium-size game, someone ventured to point out.

Not at all, medium-size game should live in holes, like badgers.
Dachshunds are evidently built for holes. They are long and low, and
they have spatulate feet for digging, and their bandy legs enable them
to throw the dirt out behind them. Their long, sharp noses are like
tweezers to seize upon the medium-size game. In short, by much
repetition, a legend had grown up around the dachshunds, a legend of
fierceness inhibited only by circumstances, of pathetic deprivation of
the sports of their native land. If only we could have a badger, we
could almost hear them say to each other in dog language, a strong,
morose, savage badger! Alas! we are wasting our days in idleness, our
talents rust from disuse! Finally, Uncle Jim remained the only frankly
skeptical member.

At this time there visited the ranch two keen sportsmen whom we shall
call Charley and Tommy; as also several girls. We burst on the assembled
multitude with our news. Immediately a council of war was called. After
the praetors and tribunes of the people had uttered their opinions,
Uncle Jim arose and spoke as follows:

"Here is your chance to make good," said he, addressing Mrs. Kitty.
"Those badger hounds of yours, according to you, have just been fretting
for medium-size game. Well, here's some. Bring out the whole flock, and
let's see them get busy."

The proposition was received with a shout of rapture Uncle Jim smiled
grimly.

"Well, they'll do it!" cried Mrs. Kitty, with spirit.

Preparations were immediately under way. In half an hour the army
debouched from the ranch and strung out single file across the plain.

First came Uncle Jim and myself in the two-wheeled cart as scouts and
guides.

Followed the General in his surrey. The surrey had originally been
intended for idle dalliance along country lanes. In the days of its
glory it had been upholstered right merrily, and around its flat top had
dangled a blithesome fringe. Both the upholstery and fringe were still
somewhat there. Of the glory that was past no other reminder had
persisted. The General sat squarely in the middle of the front seat,
very large, erect, and imposing, driving with a fine military