124 The Chase 



at the 'ounds" — turning his horse in the direction 

 in which they were coming. Jonathan Griffin 

 took off his cap to Jorrocks as he approached, who 

 waved his hand in the most patronising manner 

 possible, adding, " How are you, Jonathan ? '* 

 " Pretty well thank you. Mister Jorrocks, hope 

 you're the same." " No, not the same, but I'm 

 werry well, which makes all the difference — haw ! 

 haw ! haw ! You seem to have but a shortish 

 pack, I think — ten, twelve, fourteen couple — 'ow's 

 that ? We always take nine-and-twenty in the 

 Surrey." " Why, you see. Mister Jorrocks, stag- 

 hunting and fox-hunting are very different. The 

 scent of the deer is very ravishing, and then we 

 have no drawing for our game. Besides, at this 

 season there are always bitches to put back — but 

 we have plenty of hounds for sport — I suppose we 

 may be after turning out," added Jonathan, looking 

 at his watch, " it's past eleven." 



On hearing this, a gentleman off with his glove 

 and began collecting, or capping^ prior to turning 

 out — it being the rule of the Hunt to make sure 

 of the money before starting, for fear of accidents. 

 " Half-a-crown if you please, sir." " Mr. Jorrocks, 

 shall I trouble you for half-a-crown ? " " Oh, 

 surely," said Jorrocks, pulling out a handful of 

 great five-shilling pieces, " here's for this gentleman 

 and myself, and I shan't even ask you for discount 

 for ready money." The capping went round, and 

 a goodly sum was collected. Meanwhile, the deer- 

 cart was drawn to the far side of a thick fence and, 

 the door being opened, a lubberly-looking animal 

 as big as a donkey blobbed out, and began feeding 

 very composedly. " That won't do," said Jonathan 

 Griffin, eyeing him, " ride on, Tom, and whip him 

 away." Off went the whip, followed by a score 



