8o Hunting in the Goldc7i Days. 



on him. He sees himself picked up insensible by a few 

 spectators, carried oif on, a hurdle to a white farmhouse 

 he sees in the distance ; the doctor arrives and pro- 

 nounces life to be extinct : the news is conveyed to his 

 sorrowing wife and children. 



" Ah," says Oldwig to himself, " she will be sorry for 

 what she said to me last night. She can't help her 

 tongue, I suppose. I believe she is as fond of me as 

 ever she was," and a silent tear steals down his cheek. 



But there is a movement on the hill ; the judge and 

 starter are making preparations to set them going. 



Winebold rides up to Mr. Goodbery, who is on 

 the box seat of his drag, and whispers that he would 

 be obliged if he would tell his butler to give him a glass 

 of cherry brandy before he starts, as he feels that, per- 

 haps, on an occasion like this it is as well to tune his 

 nerves with a little tonic before starting. 



Winebold rides round to the back of the coach to the 

 butler, who is fumbling about for the cherry brandy in 

 the boot of the vehicle, and slipping a shilling into his 

 hand, requests him to pour the liquor into a tumbler, as 

 *' those little glasses only hold a toothful, don't you 

 know." 



Loud voices are now enquiring for this delinquent, 

 who quickly rides up to the starter. The question is 

 asked, "Are you ready?" and the answer is given in the 

 affirmative. Both horses bound gaily away as the flag 

 drops to a splendid start. 



Away they go merrily down the hill in workmanlike 

 fashion, Winebold slightly leading. The first fence to 

 be encountered has no doubt been judiciously selected 

 by the committee to give the competitors confidence, 

 and it is therefore easily accomplished. Away they sail 

 over a large grass field and pop over a low post and 



