128 THE DIARY OF A HUNTSMAN 



across the open above described, of which he spoke ; 

 and, consequently, it was decided that the hounds 

 should meet there, in three weeks' time, with the 

 hope of finding this gallant fellow. The hounds 

 met and drew the same cover for him, and very- 

 soon two foxes were on foot. After running hard 

 in cover for half an hour, the whipper-in, who 

 was placed where he could see if any fox took 

 that open country, rode up and said he was gone 

 away. The hounds were with difficulty stopped 

 from the fox, which remained in cover, and clapped 

 on the flyer — but with a coldish scent, owing to 

 the start he got ; notwithstanding which, they went 

 straight as possible across the open for nearly 

 twelve miles, quite out of sight of any cover, or 

 scarcely a fence to hide a fox, and then came to a 

 fatal check, owing to a flock of sheep having gone 

 along a road just before the hounds, etc. When 

 they were turned towards home, a shepherd came 

 up and said he saw the sa ne fox that day three 

 weeks come over the open downs — exactly the same 

 line the hounds came that day, and about the 

 same hour ; and no doubt this was the same fox 

 which was seen that day, which is sufficient to 

 prove that good foxes at all events do go on, 

 whether hounds are after them or not. And 

 probably this may do away the wonder and 

 surprise that some men express, namely, how 



