"A bright idea, Chick!" chuckled the student, tapping the boy's
shoulder.

"We keep on speaking of him as 'he' when you said the thing was probably
a female," put in Neal.

"That doesn't matter. I'm not certain. Look at old Tiger! He's having
fits now that he has discovered how he's been tricked."

The dog was circling out from the tree, with wild, uncertain movements,
nosing everywhere. Presently he struck the scent again, and darted off
like a streak.

But the raccoon had by this time reached a dark stream of water which
coursed through the over-arching forest at the foot of the hill, as if
it was flowing through a tunnel. Here this astute animal crossed and
recrossed under the gloom of interlocking trees, mid dense undergrowth,
until its trail was altogether lost.

Tiger, having further "fits," nosing about, darting hither and thither,
venting short, baffled barks, finally gave up in despair.

The pursuing party turned back to camp.

"Did ye ever see ennyting to ekal de cunnin' o' de critter," said Uncle
Eb gloomily; "runnin' up dat tree on'y to jump off, so as he'd break de
scent an' fool de dog? Ye'll learn a heap o' queer tings in dese woods,
chillun, 'fore ye get t'rough," he added, addressing the English lads.