The men did not see those autumn chases because they were by night; but foxes hunt much by day in winter, perforce, and are often seen; and more than once they witnessed one of these farcical races.
And now the shining white furnished background for a much more important affair.
It was near sundown one day when a faint fox bark was heard out on the snow-covered ice of the lake.
"That's for me," Skookum seemed to think, and jumping up, with a very fierce growl, he trotted forth; the men looked first from the window.
Out on the snow, sitting on his haunches, was their friend, the big, black silver fox.
Quonab reached for his gun and Rolf tried to call Skookum, but it was too late.

He was out to catch that fox; their business was to look on and applaud.

The fox sat on his haunches, grinning apparently, until Skookum dashed through the snow within twenty yards.

Then, that shining, black fox loped gently away, his huge tail level out behind him, and Skookum, sure of success, raced up, within six or seven yards.

A few more leaps now, and the victory would be won.