THE CHALLENGE 



285 



worst rides if not quite the worst ride of any Essex covert, waited the 

 hoUoa that should proclaim the flight of a cub, for the order was to let 

 hounds go, and a loud challenge had been thrown down that if they did 

 get away a certain horse that had never seen an Essex ditch before would 

 be found at the end of the gallop closer to their sterns than the galloping 

 hack. It was a sporting challenge : the denouenicnt later on ; for at last a 

 shrill holloa sent us all flying down the covert for a start. Headed at first 

 the fox broke at last, and we were fairly away in the open towards Down 

 Hall, as hounds came quickly out of the covert, and disappeared through 

 the leafy wall that bounded the far side of the first stubble field. 



Newman Gilbey 



Newman (iilbey always takes his place in the van when 

 hounds are runnino- ; about ^100 to Z'150 he "ives for his 

 horses, and generally receives good value for money (horses 

 that know their business) ; therefore, if ever he offers you a mount, 

 you may accept it without any qualms, even if there has been 

 a six weeks' frost, as he keeps his horses in splendid condition. 

 I have never known them curl up in a run. 



