THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 27 



" The devil! " exclaimed my companion, 

 making an ineffectual effort to reach the edge 

 of the steep bank, and reeling almost over in 

 the attempt. ** No matter," continued he, 

 as springing upon his feet, and rushing 

 forwards, he galloped along the backs of the 

 scared flock; and, following his example, we 

 cleared the impediment, and found ourselves 

 on the right side of a great obstacle to our 

 pursuer, Ned Adams. 



** Now we're all right," said Trimbush, 

 exultingly ; * ' and we shall have it to ourselves 

 m spite of 'em." 



The long twisting and twining lane led on 

 to an open heath or sheep-walk, covered here 

 and there with patches of broom, furze, and 

 dwarf blackberry bushes. 



** We'll first try down wind to the right," 

 said Trimbush; ** for although Will Sykes 

 very often takes us just the other way, so as 

 to make sure the varmint hasn't given us the 

 artful dodge by slipping back on his foil, it's 

 a bad cast except with a beaten fox, and 

 generally widens the distance between us and 

 him. Always," continued the old hound, 

 btooping his muzzle to the ground as he 

 trotted cautiously along, " try the way first 



