body of the fox from the water.

"A fox," said Grampus, "a fox! Do you mean to say, Giles, that you have
dared to shoot a fox, and a vixen with a litter too? How often have
I told you that, although I keep harriers and not fox-hounds, you
are never to touch a fox. You will get me into trouble with all my
neighbours. I give you a month's notice. You will leave on this day
month."

"Very well, Squire," said Giles, "I'll leave, and I hope you'll find
some one to serve you better. Meanwhile I didn't shoot the dratted fox.
At least I only shot her after she'd gone and got herself into a trap
which I had set for that there Rectory dog what you told me to make off
with on the quiet, so that the young lady might never know what become
of it and cry and make a fuss as she did about the last. Then seeing
that she was finished, with her leg half chewed off, I shot her, or
rather I didn't shoot her as well as I should, for the beggar gave a
twist as I fired, and now she's bit me right through the hand. I only
hopes you won't have to pay my widow for it, Squire, under the Act,
as foxes' bites is uncommon poisonous, especially when they've been
a-eating of rotten rabbit."

"Dear me!" said the Red-faced Man softening, "dear me, the beast does
seem to have bitten you very badly. You must go and be cauterised with
a red-hot iron. It is painful but the best thing to do. Meanwhile, suck
it, Giles, suck it! I daresay that will draw out the poison, and if it
doesn't, thank my stars! I am insured. Look here, a minute or two can
make no difference, for if you are poisoned, you are poisoned. Where can
we put this brute? I wouldn't have it seen for ten pounds."