354 LEAVES FROM A HUNTING DIARY 



But going as you please in our (mine and the boy's) case meant making all 

 the tracks we could down the Cobbin End-lane, and turning in at the first 

 bridle gate to reach the fields just in time to see the hounds sweeping 

 along in front, and rising the crest of the last hill before coming down to 

 the Cobbin Brook below the keeper's house. Luckily bridged at the right 

 spot, and the right man to open the gate through the opening, we could 

 still, although not near the hounds, keep them in view by riding the inside 

 circle. My word, they were going ! 



" The Master in front on the grey 

 Flies on like a boy at his play ; 

 He counts the good pack speeding over the plain, 

 And grins as he looks for a skirter in vain. 

 He says to the whip, ' They are at it again.' 

 ' Hark, forward ! Hark, forward, away ! ' " 



PuiLi. POTTS Williams. 



The good little Welsh pony gallantly responded to her youthful rider's 

 enthusiasm, but the pace was beginning to tell on her, and she no longer 

 bored at the bit, yet managed to keep galloping till within a few fields of 

 the end, when she was reduced to a trot. Right down the meadows beyond 

 the keeper's house hounds raced along without the semblance of a check, 

 and never touching a covert until they reached the park below Copped 

 Hall, where the Master, rather than disturb the covert, whipped them off 

 short of the Warren. 



Home by 1.30, with the satisfaction of having seen a good deal of fun 

 in two hours, but mentally resolved that Young Hopeful must look after 

 himself next time, or the coachman must come out too. 



