138 THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 



plenty of straw, and lead us home in the 

 morning." 



'* It's a long distance," soliloquized the 

 man; ** but I shall get well paid for my 

 trouble, I know. It can't be done to-night, 

 howsomever; and so I'll get farmer Oatfield 

 to give grub and lodgings, and journey home 

 with ye to-morrow myself." 



" A capital move," said Trimbush, " and 

 a sentiment after my own heart. Come 

 along." 



Most willingly we followed our conductor 

 from the cover, and after proceeding about a 

 mile, we came to one of those nests of 

 comforts, a good farm-house. As we entered 

 the yard, two rough and shaggy shepherd's 

 dogs ran barking towards us ; but upon coming 

 closer, they wagged their short stumpy tails 

 by way of a welcome, and soon afterwards we 

 had a famous supper of warm milk and meal, 

 supplied to us by the hospitable Mr. Oatfield, 

 who heard with infinite glee the rustic's 

 account of the way in which he discovered us ; 

 and then, by his orders, some bundles of fresh 

 straw were shaken out, upon which we 

 stretched ourselves, with that pleasure which 

 only the wearied feel. 



