226 FOX-HOUND, FOREST, AND PRAIRIE. 



their appetites and instinct. As for tufters for them, Mr. Bissett 

 would be entirely at a loss, were it not that, at the time of the 

 outbreak, a few couple of working hounds had been sent to a 

 distance, on account of kennel-lameness. HaviDg recovered 

 from this they now take their place as tufters, and nestors, to 

 the novices. 



At the hour I am speaking of, these were threading the 

 combe, while Arthur rode the narrow paths winding down 

 and along its steep sides, and led them in their search. As 

 time wore on, an occasional cheer, a note on the horn, or the 

 throwing of a tongue, rose upwards in the gathering mist, and 

 told that game was afoot. Then, to those who were content to 

 watch steadily over the valley, there was given a glimpse of a 

 brown form glancing across an opening in the trees ; soon after- 

 wards a second, and, when the tufters had been some two hours 

 at work, a roar from the crowd proclaimed that they all could 

 see a deer. On the opposite hill the speckled bodies of three 

 hounds, following close on a darker and bigger animal, were 

 plainly in view, crossing the purple carpeting where it stretched 

 upwards from the wood. This was THE STAG, surely ! No, the 

 hope was scarcely framed into words or echoed from a thousand 

 well-wined throats, before a horseman was seen to ride down 

 upon the hounds, and turn them back to the horn. The hind 

 was left to go her way in peace, and the multitude relapsed 

 again into its hampers. The sunshine of the morning had now 

 given place to a drizzling mist ; which in turn resolved itself 

 into a driving rain. But the assemblage stood its ground 

 manfully, determined on rivalling, or even outdoing the heavens 

 in its steady downpour. There was no thought of moving, 

 though two o'clock came — three o'clock, and eatables were run 

 out — four o'clock, and even their drinkables were beginning to 

 feel the strain. 



At length when it seemed as if these followers of Bacchus 

 and Diana must pitch a night camp, a sudden buzz and stir 

 showed that a change was coming. Half-emptied glasses were 

 thrust aside, waterproofs were cast off or buttoned closely up, 



