Slowly Cluny’s tail wound itself about the ferret’s neck, drawing him in close.

  ‘Get them,’ Cluny said hoarsely. ‘Find the foxes and bring them here to me.’

  Killconey’s throat bulged as he tried nervously to swallow. ‘Glug! I will indeed, if you’ll just let go of this pore ould ferret’s neck, sir, I’ll go as fast as if the divvil himself was chasin’ me. You lay back now and rest your noble self, sir.’

  Cluny released the ferret and lay back with an agonized sigh.