Hunting in the Golden Days. 41 



apprentice out on a holiday) swept off all the coins he 

 had placed on his pew, shot them into his pocket, and 

 quickly replaced them by a threepenny-piece. What 

 the feelings of the great man were I will leave the 

 reader to imagine. 



On issuing from the church, Sir John and his party 

 are received with much deference bv those of the 

 worshippers who have remained behind to chat for a 

 few moments in the churchyard. Sir John is deservedly 

 a popular landlord, and many a rustic face brightens at 

 his cheery nod of recognition and hearty Christmas 

 greeting. 



The Buckskin Hall party now return home. Sir John, 

 however, finding time to run round to the vestry first 

 to persuade the Vicar and his wife to return with him 

 to lunch. 



After lunch the Squire takes Goodbery aside and 

 whispers to him that while the young folk are enjoying 

 a romp, he would, perhaps, like to walk round the place 

 with him. 



Goodbery is of course delighted, and so the two old 

 cronies set out for their afternoon stroll. They first 

 visit the stables, a fine building, surmounted by a high 

 bell and clock tower ; the clock has only one hand, so 

 that the spectator can read the hour without difficulty, 

 but is compelled to guess the minute. The stable is 

 well stocked with horse-flesh, for in the days before 

 railways were invented it was essential for people 

 living in the country to have a good establishment. 

 Approaching a box Sir John points out proudly, from 

 a number of others, his favourite horse, an animal of a 

 rare stamp and grand appearance. 



After this they sally forth to view the kennels, where 

 they are received by old Jowles, the huntsman, dressed 



