THE TRACKS EXAMINED 161 



by, and ran down breathless to where he had 

 drawn rein. 



* Tracked un at laist, squire,' he gasped. 



* Good news, Pearce. I've had a long day, 

 but I'll go back with you.' 



' It's a brave way off, sir.' 



'No matter.' 



So leaving the hounds to the whipper-in, he 

 accompanied the man to the moor, and examined 

 the tracks by the light of the lantern the moor- 

 man had fetched from his cottage. 



'They're his, right enough, Pearce. Funny 

 place to come on them.' 



* 'Tes and 'tesn't, come to think of it, for I've 

 spurred otters on this very bit of ground more 

 than once before, and all goin' the same way. 

 'Tes a line of traffic from the strame to the 

 revur.' 



1 Ah, that's interesting. But, my word, what 

 amazing prints they are ! What weight do you 

 put him at V 



1 Afeerd to say, sir.' 



1 They're a couple of days old, Pearce.' 



'Iss, sir, all that, but you mind what you 

 told me.' 



1 All right, my man. I attach no blame ; that's 

 not my meaning.' 



21 



