CHANGES OF FORTUNE 95 



changed and he sprang to his feet as though an 

 adder had stung him. And no wonder, for the 

 hounds at once struck the line of the otter, and 

 made down - river at full cry. ' Well now, 

 Grylls,' said he, ■ is it go or stay ? Why, stay, 

 of coorse ; sure as you're alive they'll be back 

 again.' So he stood watching and watching and 

 watching till hounds and men became blurred by 

 distance, and at last disappeared into the wood. 

 * You're out of it, git chucklehead !' said he, as 

 he lowered the glass. ' Why didn't 'ee go down 

 to the meet as you always do ? You're gettin' 

 lazy. You're out of it, out of it, and come 

 fifteen mile for nothin' ! Pick up the pony and 

 shog home along ; there's nothin' else for 'ee to 

 do.' In his rage he kicked the loose rock at his 

 feet, and sent it bounding down the face of the 

 hill. Nevertheless, it was not many seconds 

 before he was again scrutinizing the spot where 

 the river falls to the ravine, and before long he 

 exclaimed, * Halloo 1 what's that ? Ah, theere 

 'tes again and again ; the glint of the horn, I'll be 

 bound.' He was all excitement now, and watch- 

 ing as he had never watched before in his life. 

 4 What's that— eh, eh? It's they, it's they! 

 See, thee're crossin' the bend of Zingey Pool.' 

 Though the hounds were scarcely discernible 



