'
"'Well, my lad,' said the captain, 'do you understand burrowing?'
"'Not much of the wood chuck about me,' replied Crosby, 'more of the
fox--I can enter burrows already made.'
"'Well! see whether your skill can contrive to enter here,' pointing
to a small hole, leading into a cavern.
"'Tight work, I believe,' said Crosby, forcing his huge frame through
the opening, followed by the captain, who, from the smallness of his
size, slipped down with more ease.
"'Quite a comfortable apartment, captain,' observed Crosby, casting
his eye round upon the interior, 'and not likely to starve very soon,
one would judge, from the good things on your table.'
"'Help yourself to what you like,' said the captain, 'his majesty's
friends provide well--good fare--no charges.'
"Crosby had but just supped--but tempted by the fare, somewhat
superior to that which he had seen at the farmer's, he seated himself
at the table, while the liberal hand of the captain was not backward
in replenishing his plate, as often as it was emptied.
"'Do you leave here soon?' inquired Crosby.
"'To-morrow, I hope,' said the captain. 'I have burrowed here long
enough. Much longer--and I shall have _claws_ in good earnest.
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