THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



' I remember hearing of another desperate run, in which Mr. 

 Loraine Smith distinguished himself greatly by his fine judg- 

 ment in riding to hounds. On a day, with the same pack 

 (Meynell's), called "the Alsops-house day," he appeared at 

 cover on a five-year-old horse, of his own breeding, called 

 Shopleton; and one, by his own admission, not of high form 

 as a hunter. He likewise got a bad start, and never could 

 get near the hounds till he met them on Leak Hills, on their 

 return from Gotham Wood. Notwithstanding this disadvantage, 

 towards the end of the run, which embraced an immense sweep 

 of country, himself and a gentleman named Deverill were the 

 only two that continued to keep with the hounds till they came 

 to Kinnoulton cover, when his (Smith's) horse slackened pace. 

 Deverill went on, and was the only man whose horse could 

 raise a canter when the fox was dying. He rode a mare, 

 called Gay lass, got by Lord Grosvenor's famous Mambrino, 

 whose fine picture by Stubbs has been so much admired ; and, 

 in consequence of her performance this day, she was sold to 

 Sir John Shelly, and by him to Sir Harry Featherstone, in 

 both instances at large prices, remaining a first-class hunter, 

 in Leicestershire, for several successive years. It was computed, 

 at the time, that, by his knowledge of the country, and the 

 points the fox was making, Smith saved three miles of ground 

 in the course of this run, which is the principal cause of my 

 having detailed the particulars of it to you.' 



' Now, Frank,' said Mr. Raby, ' you have had a great treat ; so 

 take yourself ofi" to the ladies. I dare say you will dream of 

 Leicestershire and Dick Knight.' 



' We shall see him in Leicestershire, some day or another,' 

 observed Mr. Somerby. 



. * No,' replied Mr. Raby; ' at least, I hope not. Melton Mowbray 

 is no place for younger brothers : and I fear it has often proved 

 too much for elder ones.' 



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