They had run the greater part of the way through thick woods, filled with fallen logs and tangled bushes; but they now felt confident that the hunt was nearly over.

They knew they had gained considerably on the fox, and his capture would be an ample reward for their trouble.
As soon as they reached the ridge, they threw themselves rapidly across it in all directions, and, to their delight, discovered that the fox had not yet passed.

They stationed themselves in such a manner that it would be impossible for him to pass on either side of them without coming within reach of their guns, and patiently awaited his appearance.

They had not remained long in this position, when Archie, who was stationed lowest down the ridge, exclaimed in a subdued voice, "There they come, boys! Now, look sharp!" The boys listened intently, and heard, faint and far off, the well-known bay of Sport.

It was sharp and short--very different from the note he had uttered when the chase first commenced.