80 BRIT ANN Y AND THE CHASE. 



when he cried "mark" to a pigeon! but the country made 

 me forget all, and we jogged on. For an hour all was hope ; 

 then we got warm, and after came surprise, and then dis- 

 appointment. Then it turned out that the celebrated guide 

 had never been across the country before, though he knew 

 it well in a sort, from being a hirer and driver of carriages, 

 but. Frenchman like, he had at once said he could do 

 everything, leaving his ignorance to be discovered after- 

 wards. He, in fact, scarce knew a partridge from a plover, 

 and was as much unacquainted with their habits as a tailor 

 could be of horsemanship. All this chimed badly with 

 bad luck. After three hours walking we found a covey 

 and killed a brace, and with this returned home to our inn 

 downcast and sullen, feeling certain that we were doomed 

 to do nothing. We got a decent sort of dinner and some 

 passable claret, and then told the hostess' son that the 

 guide was a complete muflP, and that we must have 

 another. He said he was sure the one we had had was 

 good for nothing (he had forgotten having recommended 

 us to take him), but could get us the very man for our 

 affaire — an old poacher; given to drink, but who, if kept 

 well in hand, could tell us the country perfectl3\ In a 

 short time he arrived and made his bow. " Can you show 

 us any game here?" I asked. "Plenty," said he. "But 

 luhat do you mean by plenty, how manj^ coveys of birds in 

 a day can you show us ? " With a perfect aplomb air he 

 answered, " Fifty with luck." "Well," said I, "show us 

 twenty, and I'll give you double fees," and with renewed 

 hopes we wislied him good night, and arranged for the 



