THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



' What are your plans, Frank, for the winter canipaii^n ? ' 

 asked the Baronet, who paid him a visit at Farndon Hall. 



' I shall go to Melton,' replied Frank. 



' Pause for a moment,' resumed Sir John, ' before you 

 determine upon that step. Recollect, the state of your stud 

 is not equal to it at present, neither should I think is that of 

 your purse, as you have laid out large sums in purchasing 

 your carriages and coach-horses, furnishing your house, stock- 

 ing your cellars, etc' 



' But I can borrow what I may from my solicitor, 

 until that little estate in Hertfordshire is sold,' replied our 

 hero. 



' Take my advice,' resumed the Baronet ; ' do not borrow 

 from your lawyer. Lawyers are necessary agents to men of 

 property; but the more independent we are of them, the 

 better chance have we of their doing us justice ; and it would 

 not be worth your while to raise money in any other way, 

 until that estate is sold. And, mind, I do not blame you for 

 your intention of selling it, since a small property like that, 

 in a distant part of the country, is not worth keeping ; and 

 the purchase-money will not only give you a still better start 

 in the world than you have hitherto had, but, by enabling you 

 to have your income clear, so as to pay your way as you o-q, 

 you will save twenty per cent, upon everything. Let me 

 advise you, then, to defer your visit to Melton for one more 

 year. 



' But my house and stables, Inkleton ; what must I do 

 about them ? ' exclaimed Frank. ' I shall have the rent to 

 pay, and nothing for my money ! ' 



' You will have nothing to pay,' resumed Sir John ; ' Holdino- 

 will take the whole off your hands.' 



' Sir Frederick, or his brother ? ' inquired our hero. 



' His brother,' replied Sir John ; ' and as you have often 

 said you should like to take what you call a tour of hunting 

 countries, I should recommend you to select this winter for 

 the purpose. As you avow your intention of keeping hounds 

 yourself, you may profit much by the plan I propose. You 

 will be able to observe closely the conduct of both masters and 

 servants in the several countries you visit, profiting by what 

 is good, and marking what you may consider to be the 

 reverse.' 



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