The Farthing Wood Collection 1 by Colin Dann

Author:Colin Dann
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781446453223
Publisher: Red Fox
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Mole went straight to Badger’s set before he ate a single worm the next day which, in his case, was the strongest possible measure of his anxiety. The set was, again, empty. He emerged from one of Badger’s exit tunnels and made his way as fast as his short legs would allow him to Fox, cursing his slowness as he did so. But his journey proved unnecessary for, when he reached the earth, Vixen informed him that Fox had already set off on his search. He had wasted no time on hearing from Tawny Owl that Badger had not been seen returning home, and all that they could do now was to wait for news.

It was not long before Fox realized that, if he did not find Badger within the area of the Reserve settled by the Farthing Wood animals, or at least close by, he would never have the strength to travel the confines of the whole of White Deer Park. In addition to his own weaker state, there was the powdery snow, which in places had formed thick drifts, and was very tiring to walk through as he frequently sank in it as deep as his shoulders. Even as he trudged along it again began to snow heavily, so that visibility became very poor too.

Skirting the Hollow, he made a tour of the perimeter of their home area. The falling snow covered any tracks or scent that might have been useful, and Fox knew he was on an impossible task. He must recruit some assistance. A swifter and less heavy animal such as Hare would be able to cover a greater distance more easily, but most of all Fox wished for a sight of Kestrel. His piercing eyesight from high above the ground could locate the lumbering form of Badger faster than anyone’s. For the moment, however, he must make do with Hare.

Luckily Hare was to be found sheltering with his mate in a scooped-out ‘form’ of snow behind a hawthorn tree. The leverets were elsewhere. Fox explained why he had come again so soon.

‘That is surprising,’ Hare said afterwards, ‘old Badger going off like that. I wonder what he intended to do?’

‘We’ve no way of knowing, at the moment,’ answered Fox. ‘The thing I’m afraid of is that he might have met with some accident. He doesn’t normally wander far afield.’

‘How can I help?’ Hare asked.

‘You’re much fleeter of foot than me,’ replied Fox, ‘and can cover greater distances more easily. If I comb this side of the Park, could you investigate a bit further afield?’

Hare was silent for a time. Eventually he said cautiously, ‘I could. But I don’t relish the idea of going too far away from the home area. After all, there are other foxes in the Park beside yourself and Vixen, and I’m fair game for all of them.’

Fox nodded. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘But I’ve never yet met a fox who could outrun a hare.’

Hare’s mate had pricked up her ears at this latter turn in the conversation.

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