Two Days With the Quorn {Second Day) 161 



who had a fall yesterday and must ride with one hand to-day. 



Outside everytliing was in commotion. Hunters in charge 

 of grooms and stable boys were always in sight and the town 

 people were collecting to see us off. 



Finally the time comes for us to mount for a three-mile 

 ride to the meet. ISIy heart was in a bit of a flutter, as the 

 ladies say, when I heard the groom leading Richard the Bay 

 from his stall. I could tell by the sound of his stately tread 

 that he had the walk and carriage of a gentleman. The groom 

 opened the stable door, Richard stopped, cocked liis head to 

 one side like an old tar surveying the weather ; his great nostrils 

 dilated and his sides swelled as he took in a deep breath of the 

 sharp, invigorating air. After a pause the groom pulled a little 

 at the bridle. 



"Come along, hold man, this is your day for 'unting." 



But Richard stood there gazing about as if he were some 

 bloated landlord about to bargain for the place. I had to smile 

 to see the knowing rascal entirely oblivious of the groom pulling 

 (very gently, however) at his bridle. 



"Don't disturb him, groom, he'll come when he has finished 

 his observations." 



Finally Richard came to himself and began playing with 

 the bits. Again his nostrils dilated. The groom reached up 

 his hand to steady him out. Richard pushed away his hands 

 with a disgusted expression, as if to say, "I'm quite able to 

 take care of myself." And then, spurning all assistance, he 

 stepped out into the wet yard like a lady in opera gown and 

 slippers. 



The groom walked him around the yard once or twice for 

 my inspection. Richard was a big, upstanding Irishman; — a 

 trifle ragged at the hips, as most Irish hunters are. His quar- 

 ters, however, were most powerful, the muscles running well 

 down to his hocks. He carried a grand middle piece, with 

 shoulders to suit the most exacting. His grandest characteris- 



