298 GUN, RIFLE, AND HOUND. 



cannot follow. We have to clatter up the village 

 street, and turn in, in more or less military order,, 

 through the arched gateway of a farmyard. As we 

 file in we become aware that our fox is at bay. 

 Phenomenal occurrence ! But not in the open, dear 

 reader, but under a moveable hen-house on wheels, 

 where no foxhound can creep in. The young Master 

 and some willing assistants jump off. The hen-house 

 which, I daresay, had often paid toll to our quarry 

 is raised ; and the pack dash in upon their victim. 



What a scene ! The great house and its bearers 

 are swayed hither and thither, till there seems some 

 chance of its falling and crushing the hounds. More 

 assistance is forthcoming, however, and Smith is able to 

 seize his fox and carry it out to the paddock behind, 

 where it turns out to be no he at all, but a remark- 

 ably fine old vixen, who had stood up before hounds 

 just two hours and fifty minutes. 



The last honours are paid her, and on inquiry I 

 am told I am fourteen miles from home. Anyhow, 

 hounds will do no more. The amusing chat of one of 

 our best known jockeys shortens my journey as far as 

 Weedon. 



Good-bye to the Grafton ! Leicestershire, I believe, 

 calls them " provincial," and even their Pytchley 

 neighbours patronise. Nevertheless, if not the rose, 

 they are near the rose, and no man who goes to them 

 for sport will fail to get it. 



