RIDING TO HOUNDS 37 



description of a run uttered too with an air of triumph instead 

 of with the shame and remorse with which, if at all, they should 

 be spoken. For the huntsman and whips, sometimes even for 

 the master, every allowance must be made if they occasionally 

 overmark their horses. Hounds have to be taken home, and 

 the staff must if possible keep with them coiite que coiite. But 

 the unofficial followers of the chase who hunt for their own 

 amusement, and are at liberty to pull up when and where they 

 please what excuse is there for them if they ride the willing 

 horse to death ? Absolutely none, unless extreme youth and 

 ignerance can be urged in their favour. Simple vanity prompts 

 the plea, * I was determined I would see the end of it, happen 

 what might.' The determination fades away quickly enough in 

 the face of a wide fence, where the danger to their own lives is 

 equal to, or greater than, that of their horses. We are, of 

 course, speaking of cases where the animal has shown premoni- 

 tory symptoms of exhaustion, for some horses collapse suddenly 

 and without warning, when no blame can attach to the rider. 

 Under such circumstances it is well not to take it too readily 

 for granted that it is all over with them, even though they fall 

 apparently lifeless. The following story is an instance in point. 

 Once upon a time, not many years ago, two intimate friends, 

 who shall be called A. and B., were riding together in a good 

 run. Both were undeniable horsemen, they had come fast and 

 far, and had had the best of it throughout, and being well 

 mounted had made liberal use of their horses, on whom, though 

 in high condition, the severity of the pace was beginning to 

 tell. ' Side by side these chiefs of pride ' went down at that 

 greatest of uncertainties a bottom one of those places which, 

 a yard wide at one spot, may be thirty feet at another close by, 

 the hairy straggling fence in front precluding all possibility of 

 choice save to those who look before they leap, in which category 

 could neither of the friends be included. B., slightly favoured 

 by luck, got over with a peck and a scramble, but, as he 

 recovered himself, a thud as of falling earth, and a splash on 

 his left caused him to glance round, when he saw A. rolling 



