FOX-HUNTING TYPES 243 



which is large, and includes always some amusing 

 novelty. Like the bursting of a shell, a sudden sound 

 scatters the groups in all directions ! The new story 

 is forgotten at once — and perhaps for ever. The 

 supreme moment has arrived to each one. " What 

 will he do with it?" That is the question. 



Our friend, only very slightly ruffled, preserves his 

 outward calm. He has no sort of intention of racing 

 for yon narrow hunting-gate with the score of enthu- 

 siasts who are doing their best to get there first. 

 Still less has he any idea of cramming straight at the 

 impossible-looking fence beside the gate, like the 

 gentleman whose horse's tail is already at such an 

 ominous elevation. Not a bit of it ! But he is going 

 to have his gallop, nevertheless — just so much or so 

 little of it as seemeth good to him. 



So he flows steadily with the tide, and passes easily 

 through the gate, unsquashed, unkicked, uncursed, and, 

 getting well down in his saddle, is carried smoothly 

 across the first field, his horse going collectedly and 

 catching just the right hold. 



When he reaches the fence five people or fifty may 

 have jumped it ; that concerns him only if they have 

 lowered the leap a little for him. His horse is a good 

 jumper, anyhow, and if lots of folks are in front of 

 him, why, there are lots more close to him on either 

 side, and some behind ! Lots of company, in fact ; and 

 among them, no doubt, some of his own kidney who 

 are possessed by no overmastering excitement, and can 

 chaff and jest as they ride along even more effectively 

 than at the covert-side or on the road, for the inci- 

 dents of the pursuit are sure to furnish material for 



