A deserted nest now hangs across our pathway, and as I look upon the cold heap within its hollow, I wonder where are the little birds that nestled beneath the mother’s wings in the cosy warmth of that cradled home only a few short months ago. And now I am reminded that nearly all this land through which we have been strolling belongs to Nathan Beers; for there’s his house right across the road, only a few rods in front of us. I cannot help but laugh as I look over into that old door-yard at the incident it recalls. I remember how, about fifteen years ago, I came up through these very woods into the clearing where we stand, and saw old Nathan, with slouched straw hat and stoga boots, entering his front gate. He was muttering and gesticulating to himself; and on the gravel behind him he trailed along a huge steel trap and clinking chain. He evidently had a strong opinion on _some_ subject, and I knew pretty well what that subject _was_. “Hello, Nathan!” I ask, “what’s up?” He turns quickly, and I observe that his usually good-natured Yankee face now wears a troubled expression. “My dander’s up--that’s what’s up,” he replies, a little sullenly. “They tell me you’ve been after a fox, Nathan; did you catch him?” “No, ’n I don’t cal’late to try agin nuther, he’s _airnt his livi’_ fer all _me_;” and with an impetuous fling he sent the old trap into a corner of the wood-shed. I am soon by his side, anxious to hear all about it. “What’s the fox done?” I ask, eagerly. “What _hain’t_ he done, yeu better say. I never see nuthin’ t’ beat it since uz born, ’n I’ve ketched tew er three on ’em afore naow, teu. I’ve heern tell o’ them critters’ cunnin’, but I swaiou I alliz thort ez haow folks wuz _coddi’_; but _thar_, yeu can’t tell me nuthin’ ’baout _foxes_. It’s nigh cum a fortnit thet I’ve been arter thet feller, ’n I swar teu gosh all hemlock! I hain’t got so much’s one on his pesky red hairs teu _show_ for’t, ’n I’m _sick_ on’t. I tell ye that ar feller is _mischievouser than pizen_, ’n his hed’s as long as a horse’s.” “Why, what’s he been doing, Nathan?” [Illustration: A SUNNY CORNER.]