130 THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 



it as you go, and make good inch by inch, 

 rather than be in doubt. We shall save time 

 by the trouble." 



Thus schooled, we took especial care, upon 

 refreshing ourselves in the Loam, to follow 

 the instructions given, and our first cast was 

 along the verge down stream, which, also, 

 chanced to be down wind. 



'* This is his line," said Trimbush, 

 evidently puzzled, " and yet " 



** Let us try up wind," interrupted Dash- 

 wood, *' he may have headed, as he's a sinking 

 one." 



" You flatter yourself," returned the old 

 hound; ** he has as much life in him as will 

 serve to test your pluck and powers for an 

 hour to come." 



' ' But he may have headed back, ' ' observed 

 Wildboy. 



He may,'' quietly added Trimbush; 



but make your work good as ye go. I 

 think," continued he, " that we have cast to 

 the right, which was the probable line, far 

 enough. Now let us try the left." 



Will Sykes, Ned Adams, and the Squire, 

 now came in sight ; but their horses could not 

 be spurred out of a trot. Their heads were 





