CHAPTER XX. 



THE ROYAL BUCKHOUNDS. 



XAGGERATED rumours and vague state- 

 ments having been afloat in regard to 

 the outbreak of hydrophobia amongst 

 the Royal buckhounds, I determined to 

 visit the kennels at Ascot Heath, and make myself 

 acquainted with the true state of the case. With 

 this view I communicated with Mr. Goodall, Her 

 Majesty's huntsman, expressing my desire to look over 

 the establishment, and was immediately and cour- 

 teously informed that my presence would be agreeable. 

 A short journey by the South-Western landed me 

 at the Ascot station, and a brisk walk brought me 

 in a few minutes to my destination. As I ap- 

 proached the kennels, the deep-mouthed baying of 

 the hounds broke pleasantly on my ear, causing me 

 to quicken my steps in order to judge of the con- 

 dition of the noble pack after the serious visitation 

 that has befallen them at the height of the season. 

 After receiving a cordial welcome from Goodall, I 

 was taken straight to the kennels to examine for 

 myself their present state, and to hear particulars of 

 the course that had been adopted on the breaking 

 out of this terrible malady. 



