But I suppose that walking round in a circle had confused him. Anyhow he
walked miles out of his way, and lost himself. He sat down on a big stone
at last, and wondered what he should do. He was tired and hungry, so he
ate a handful of nuts. And then he began to nod.

"I'll just have five minutes of a nap," he said, "and then get on again."

So down he lay. But his five minutes lasted for an hour, and still the
lad lay fast asleep.

A large gray fox stole up and smelt the rabbit.

"That'll just suit me," said he to himself. "I'll go and call my brothers
and sisters, and we'll kill this two-legged creature and steal his
rabbit."

"Yap-yap-yap!" barked the fox, and soon he had a whole pack round him.
But just as they were getting near to Tom, he awoke and sat up. Bang went
his rifle at once, as he saw his danger. One fox fell dead, but the
others came on with a rush, and there was soon a lively fight. Tom laid
about him with the butt end of his rifle, and, being a strong young
fellow, dead and dying foxes were soon lying all round him.

The rest of the pack drew back a little way, only to come on again,
yelping and yelling more than ever. Poor Tom's wrists were dripping with
blood, for he had been bitten in many places. He thought it was all over
now, yet he meant to fight to the last.

But help was at hand, for the next moment Briton bounded into the centre
of the spiteful pack, and the savage beasts fled in every direction.