THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 103 



gingerly order, I'll bet a week's meal and 

 broth, those will hear of it who are responsible 

 for their neglect." 



The greatest neatness and cleanliness were 

 always observed in our kennel; but I noticed 

 old Mark had put a polish on his shoes, and a 

 white neckerchief was tied, with much skill 

 displayed in the bow, round his throat. Will 

 Sykes, too, Tom Holt, and Ned Adams, upon 

 entering the court, exhibited more care than 

 usual in their dress on non-hunting days. 



The huntsman, glancing round and seeing 

 all was unobjectionable as far as his hope and 

 belief went, pulled a watch out of his fob, 

 and observed that * * the Squire will be here in 

 seven minutes three-eighths." 



" Can you time him to a second? " said 

 Mark smiling 



'* Ay," replied Will, " it doesn't require a 

 gauge to do that with his rules. ' ' 



As a distant clock was striking, the bell 

 rung at the kennel door. 



"I said so," remarked the huntsman, and 

 upon opening it he lifted his hat, and in 

 walked our worthy master. 



*' Now for my frock," said he, and one as 

 white as snow was brought by old Mark, who 



