LOSING ONE'S START 269 



to do so, you can do it quicker than those who have 

 preceded you, and have made your task an easier 

 one than theirs. When landed in one field, the hoof- 

 marks will direct you where to look for the exit, at 

 which you will arrive without hesitation or delay, and 

 you will be pretty sure to cross the intervening space 

 a trifle faster than did your predecessors. Should you 

 overtake a beaten sportsman or one who has met 

 with disaster, remember that he will be full of 

 despondency ; and, even though he be clad in the 

 " Scarlet Livery of the Chase," heed not his tale of 

 woe if he does not require your personal assistance, 

 but hurry on. 



You may be unsuccessful, but the chances are in 

 your favour. Hounds seldom run on for very long 

 so deadly straight and without such pause as to give you 

 no sort of opportunity of closing. Your experience 

 tells you that of those who start fairly with hounds 

 a very small percentage retain their places close to 

 the pack, and if you overtake some of the laggards, 

 you will be pretty sure to pass a few more, and each 

 set you pass places you in a better position, till at 

 last you meet with some reward by hearing the 

 unmistakable cry of hounds in front. This will prove 

 a fresh incentive, causing your spirits to rise in a 

 truly marvellous manner, and if a few minutes later 

 you are able to shout " Yonder they go ! " your happi- 

 ness will be great. It will be supreme if shortly you 

 find yourself where you have longed to be for what 

 seems to you half a lifetime at least, and can see the 

 pack — and what a disreputable, mud-stained lot they 

 look! — opening and shutting like a fan close in front 



