238 The Hunting Field With Horse and Hound 



gives tongue under an overhanging clump of bushes on the 

 right bank. Into the water rush the hounds from either shore, 

 each one straining to obtain a nostril-full of the seductive 

 scent. 'Twas a false report, or a drag so old as not to be con- 

 sidered worth mentioning, and a hairy-faced otterhound, Sin- 

 bad, who had so much to say about it, was reprimanded by the 

 Master with "Now, then, Sinbad, hold your tongue." On we 

 go for another forty rods ; meanwhile most of the hounds have 

 clambered out and gone racing up the bank, shaking themselves 

 free of water that flew in all directions Uke sparks from a pin- 

 wheel. Some halted and braced themselves for this relief while 

 others managed it as they went. They were never at all par- 

 ticular where they shook themselves, and the ladies' dresses 

 often took up a good shower like a sponge ; the grass, of course, 

 was wet from their dripping, but the ladies paid not the slight- 

 est heed to these shower-baths and marched on through the 

 wet grass with no concern. 



Of course, there were fences to climb, ditches and brooks 

 to be jumped or forded. As a rule, ladies are as awkward at 

 fence climbing as a cow is at fiddling. Otter hunting ladies 

 are the exception. They may be a little conscious of exhibit- 

 ing a pair of big heavy shoes to the gentlemen following close 

 behind, but on they go, bold, resolute, and determined to keep 

 their places in the ranks. They are for the most part dressed 

 for their work and out for business and fun. Several, how- 

 ever, exhibited a more feminine weakness by appearing in 

 white skirts. They looked smart and clean at the meet, but 

 they must have relied on first impressions to carry them 

 through, for by the time they had been passed by three or four 

 hounds shaking muddy water at them, and had climbed or 

 crawled through a few fences that the leaders had made wet 

 and muddy, they looked only fit for a wash-tub. Still they 

 had a big picture hat left and on they went as brave and free, 

 if not as stunning, as at first. . Perhaps it was their first essay, 



