74 The Chase 



at almost racing speed, commences to hold out 

 signals of distress towards the end of them. 



And now for the first time to-day hounds in 

 their eagerness flashed over the scent, and threw up 

 their noses. A slight check ensued, which enabled 

 the poor, gasping steeds to get a few welcome 

 whiffs of fresh air. The beauties themselves, 

 though still very busy, were pretty well blown, 

 seeing which his lordship, in defiance of long- 

 established rules, and being like his hounds bent on 

 blood, lifted them, and made a quick, galloping, 

 backward cast, which succeeded in promptly re- 

 covering the line — much sooner in fact than was 

 acceptable to the tired horses, who now found 

 themselves forced to make fresh efforts before they 

 had half recovered from their recent exertions. 



Fortunately for the pursuers another five minutes 

 made it evident that the fox was dead beat ; for he 

 now resorted to many a shift disdained up to this 

 point. But both his heart and strength were failing 

 him at last, and merciful riders rejoiced in the 

 prospect of a speedy kill. For by this time most of 

 the horses still to the fore were chancing their 

 fences most terribly, crashing through top binders 

 in a truly alarming manner. The majority were 

 utterly pumped, whilst one poor creature, who con- 

 tinued to make gallant struggles to the end, 

 suddenly dropped down dead in the midst of a field. 

 Luckily the obstacles were no longer of a very 

 formidable nature, else many a gallant hunter would 

 have bitten the dust. 



On, on, on they toiled in pursuit, with the 

 pleasures of the chase rapidly turning into downright 

 pain. 



For now gaps were eagerly sought for and as 

 keenly taken advantage of. Thrusting was a thing 



