54 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE, 



the aforesaid ditch was more than half 

 filled. 



Our emulative friend was more fright- 

 ened than hurt, for, barring the ducking 

 and the unpleasant consequences, no mis- 

 chief was done. Having given Mr. W 



my horse to hold, I ran to my friend's 

 assistance ; but he, with sound discretion 

 and judgment, preferred scrambling out 

 of his filthy bath on the side nearest 

 his own home, not wishing to encounter 

 the risk of a second ablution by joining 

 us. He told us, at the top of his voice, 

 he should catch his horse and gallop home 

 as fast as he could, and get rid of his wet 

 and soiled garments, but begged of us to 

 ride on and explore the country, and dine 

 with him on our return. 



This we did ; and, following his advice, 

 tried our nags at timber and fences, and 

 before the day was over they performed 

 their work cleverly enough, were very fair 



