

186 THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 



reins over his arm, and leaning carelessly 

 against the side of his horse, but our " up- 

 with-the-lark " and excellent master. 



** You are behind your time, William,'* 

 said he, throwing himself into his saddle. 



" Begging your pardon, sir," replied the 

 huntsman, tugging at the curb chain securing 

 his thick watch in a very deep fob, " I think 

 not." 



By seven minutes," rejoined his master. 

 Quite right, sir," added Will, looking at 

 his apoplectic time-keeper. " Seven minutes 

 have given me the slip." 



" No matter," returned the Squire; " we 

 have scarcely light enough as it is. ' ' 



The narrow zig-zag lane led on to a large 

 open grass field, on the borders of which was 

 one of the best and strongest covers in our 

 country. 



** Who has examined this cover? " asked 

 the Squire. 



" Tom Holt, sir," replied the huntsman. 



'* Where did you find most billets? " 



* ' In the field beyond this, sir, ' ' replied the 

 whipper-in, with a touch of his cap. 



" Very good," rejoined his master. " Then 

 take them there, William," continued he. 



