24 THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 



' ' and from the natural aversion most animals 

 have to destroy anything with or about to 

 have young. But come, ' ' he continued, * * this 

 is no time for talking, although we shall be 

 stopped from getting away if they can get 

 to our heads in time. However, keep close 

 to me, and I'll try to get a bat by ourselves 

 in spite of 'em." 



" Who- whoop, " hallooed the huntsman. 



" They've chopped a cub," said Trimbush. 

 " Now's our time, if Ned Adams doesn't 

 head him back." 



A succession of loud cracks from a whip 

 followed; but no halloo was given. 



" He's gone away," remarked Trimbush, 

 with glee; " and we'll be on good terms with 

 him. Stick to me." 



Keeping close to my companion's stern, I 

 ran stride and stride with him through the 

 brake until we came to a corner of the cover 

 where the fox we were hunting broke away. 



' ' Now then, ' ' said Trimbush cheerily ; " up 

 with your head and down with your stern. 

 Come along, the scent's a burning one." 



The instant that Trimbush was free of the 

 cover, he laid himself upon the line, and raced 

 like a greyhound; I following in his wake. 



