256 Hark Away, 



The bell rings, and we move off cautiously, feeling 

 our way through the mist until we reach Chisel- 

 hurst; then we pass in an instant from the densest 

 atmosphere into bright and cloudless sunshine, 

 which lasts throughout the entire day. Thus 

 vanished, as speedily as did the gloom, all fear 

 of the day's sport being spoilt by the weather — a 

 matter of so frequent occurrence this unparalleled 

 winter as to give sufficient warranty for such fore- 

 boding — and, henceforth, all went merry as the 

 proverbial marriage bell. 



Arriving at Tunbridge Wells — a most delightful 

 place — I find Mr. Edward Durrant, the popular 

 Secretary of the Tunbridge Wells district of the 

 West Kent Hunt, awaiting my arrival. He wel- 

 comes me with so much cordiality, that I feel that 

 this time, at any rate, I am in for a real good thing. 



A clever weight-carrying mare, the property of 

 Mr. Cramp, I was told, was kindly placed at my 

 disposal — a nag, I was assured, that would go the 

 pace if I only let her have her head. Subsequent 

 events abundantly proved the accuracy of the state- 

 ment. Further, I was informed that the meet was 

 fixed for 2.30 o'clock, previous to which we were 

 expected to partake of luncheon at the castle. 

 Here, truly, was a pleasant programme, and, as we 

 had some considerable time to spare, we strolled 

 through this prosperous-looking town, noted for the 

 beauty of the surrounding scenery, its health-re- 

 storing properties, chalybeate waters, breezy downs, 

 and lovely rides and drives. 



Always of an inquiring turn of mind, I had formed 

 a strong resolve on this occasion to drink deeply of 



