Yes, there was.

On looking more carefully, at no great distance--about two hundred yards out--they beheld two small creatures running over the sward, and at intervals squatting upon their haunches like monkeys, as if conversing with each other.
"Prairie-dogs," suggested Francois.
"No," said Basil, "they are not that, for I see no tails.

The prairie-dogs have long tails." "What can they be, then ?" "Hares, I take it," replied Basil, looking through his fingers.
"Hares!" ejaculated Francois, in some surprise.

"Why, they are not bigger than rats! Do you mean that they are young hares ?" "No, indeed, full-grown hares of their species." "Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Francois.

"Why, brother, what are your eyes good for?
You think they are far off, don't you?
I tell you they are not two hundred yards from us, and a grey squirrel would be a giant beside them.