COERCION. 31 



begin to tire. You may now ride him at timber 

 without scruple, when not too high, but avoid a rail 

 that looks as if it would break. To find out he may 

 tamper with such an obstacle is the most dangerous 

 discovery a hunter can make. You should send him at 

 it pretty quick, lest he get too near to rise, and refuse at 

 the last moment. He may not do it in the best of 

 form, but whether he chances it in his gallop, or bucks 

 over like a deer, or hoists himself sideways all in a heap, 

 with his tail against your hat, at this kind of fence this 

 kind of horse is most unlikely to fall. 



The same may be said of a brook. If he is within 

 a fair distance of the hounds, and you see by the ex- 

 pression of his ears and crest that he is watching them 

 with ardent interest, ride him boldly at water should it 

 be necessary. It is quite possible he may jump it in his 

 stride from bank to bank, without a moment's hesitation. 

 It is equally possible he may stop short on the bank, 

 with lowered head and crouching quarters as if prepared 

 to drink, or dive, or decline. He will do none of these. 

 Sit still, give him his head, keep close into your saddle, 

 not moving so much as an eyelash, and it is more than 

 probable that he will jump the stream standing, and 

 reach the other side, with a scramble and a flounder at 

 the worst ! 



