34 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 



On the whole, I was out of spirits at 

 the conclusion of this first grande chasse, 

 although I had no reason to complain of 

 lack of sport; but one poor fellow had 

 been seriously injured, and two good 

 hounds killed. I had been very much 

 excited altogether, and was but ill dis- 

 posed to join the boisterous party who 

 were preparing, in high glee, to do ho- 

 mage to the savoury fare which I caught 

 a glimpse of on its way from the kitchen 

 to the salle a manger. 



As it was growing late, I obtained per- 

 mission from our host for our pack and 

 the master of the hounds to remain on 

 his premises for the night. This plan 

 appeared to be very palatable to CoHins, 

 who was profuse in the expression of his 

 gratitude for my attention to his own 

 comfort, as well as that of the dogs. 

 They were accordingly well bedded down 

 in a capacious out-building, and well fed. 



