228 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



" I can't say they checked exactly in the allotments, 

 but the manure and rubbish, weeds burning, and what- 

 not, brought them to their noses. That's where Matthew 

 made such a fool of himself ; but, as I told you, Charmer 

 put us all right. The fox had crossed into Combe- 

 Bampton and was rising the hill for the downs. 



" I never saw hounds so patient they could but just 

 hold a -line over the chalk first one and then another 

 puzzled it out, till they got on better terms in Hazlewood 

 Hanger, and when they ran down into the valley again 

 between the cliffs there was a cry it did one's heart good 

 to hear. 



" I had a view of him, crossing Parker's Piece, the long 

 strip of waste land, you know, under Craven Clump ; 

 and he seemed as fresh as you are now I sat as mute 

 as a mouse, for six-and-thirty noses knew better where 

 he'd gone than I did, and six-and-thirty-tongues were at 

 work that never told a lie. The Vicar gave them plenty 

 of room by this time, and all our horses seemed to have 

 had about enough ! 



"'I wish we mayn't have changed in the Hanger/ said 

 Matthew, refreshing the old grey with a side-binder, as 

 they blundered into the lane, but I knew better he had 

 run the rides, every yard, and that made me hope we 

 should have him in hand before long. 



