s guide, and
holding his dog, Pompo, in the leash Abe carried no other weapon than an
axe, while I had armed myself with a double-barrel. Pompo knew as well
as either of us the errand on which we were bent, as appeared from his
flashing eyes and the impatient leaps which he now and then made to get
free.

"We had to cross a large corn-field, a full half-mile in breadth, before
we reached the woods. Between this and the timber was a zigzag fence--
the common `rail' fence of the American farmer. For some distance
beyond the fence the timber was small, but farther on was the creek
`bottom,' where the 'coons were more likely to make their
dwelling-place.

"We did not, however, proceed direct to the bottom. Abe knew better
than that. The young corn was just then `in the milk,' and the
'coon-hunter expected to find his game nearer the field. It was
settled, therefore, that we should follow the line of the fence, in
hopes that the dog would strike a fresh trail, leading either to or from
the corn-field.

"It was now night--two hours after sundown. The 'coon-chase, I have
already said, is a nocturnal sport. The raccoon does range by day, but
rarely, and only in dark and solitary woods. He often basks by day upon
high limbs, or the broken tops, of trees. I have shot several of his
tribe while asleep, or sunning themselves in such situations. Perhaps
before they knew their great enemy man, they were less nocturnal in
their activity. We had a fine moonlight; but so far as a view of the
chase was concerned, that would benefit us but little. During the hunt
there is not much to be seen of either dog or 'coon, as it is always a
scramble through trees and underwood. The dog trusts altogether to his
nose, and the hunter to his ears; for the latter has no other guide save
the yelp or bark of his canine assistant. Nevertheless, moonlight, or a
clear night, is indispensable; without one or the other, it would be
impossible to follow through the woods. A view of a 'coon-chase is a
luxury enjoyed only by the hats and owls.

"Pompo was now let loose in the corn; while Abe and I walked quietly
along the fence, keeping on different sides. Abe remained in the field
for the purpose of handing over the dog, as the fence was high--a
regular `ten rail, with stalks and riders.' A 'coon could easily cross
it, but not a dog, without help.

"We had not gone more than a hundred yards, when a quick sharp yelp from
Pompo announced