`On examining their dwelling I found it a vaulted tunnel made of clay
and mud, and thickly lined with sedges, rushes, and water-lily leaves.
`There were other mounds or lodges close by, and seeking an entrance to
one I stretched my game-bag across it, and then hammered on the roof
till a whole lot of rats sprang out, several right into the bag. I hit
away right and left, but began to repent of my audacity when I found
the whole community swarming about in the wildest excitement, some
escaping, but many stopping in bewilderment, while others actually
attacked me.
`It was anything but pleasant, I assure you, and I began to think of
Bishop Hatto in the Mouse Tower on the Rhine. Knips liked it as little
as I did, and skipped about desperately to get out of their way, though
he now and then seized a rat by the neck in his teeth.
`Just as I began to shout for help, Juno came dashing through the
reeds and water, and made quick work with the enemy, all flying from
her attack.
`My mother had great difficulty in forcing her way through the marsh to
the scene of action, but reached me at last; and we collected all the
slain to show you, and for the sake of their skins.'
This account excited my curiosity, and I went to examine the place
Ernest described: where I found, to my surprise, an arrangement much
like a beaver dam, though on a small scale, and less complete.
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