THE CHASE The summer flamed up into sudden heat, and seared all the grasses, and cut down the timid flowers.

Then gradually there came the time of shorter days and cooler nights.

The grass curled tight down to the ground.

The air carried a suspicion of frost upon some steel-clear mornings.

The golden-backed plover had passed to the south in long, waving lines, which showed dark against the deep blue sky.