Belvoir Hunt. 37 



use trying to save the meat, quietly allowing 

 them to finish the repast, as the butcher, who 

 was in a back room, rushed out furiously 

 brandishing his knife to the rescue, which, on 

 seeing the state of things, he wisely did not at- 

 tempt. His wife was a virago, and assailed Will 

 with a torrent of abuse, demanding exorbitant 

 and instant payment. Goodall, not coinciding 

 with her views regarding blackmail, sought a 

 truce, explaining that he didn't usually carry 

 much money in his pockets, and a fair claim 

 would be recognised. But he had a rough time of 

 it on the next and other occasions when the shop 

 lay in his way, for the woman had a sharp 

 tongue, and got almost bellicose in seeking to 

 enforce her demands. This went on for some- 

 time, Goodall liking the fun, and having 

 something good-natured and jocose in reply to 

 her insults, and remarking that the '^ account '^ 

 was being duly considered. At the end of the 

 season liberal payment was tendered, and not 

 very graciously accepted, with a rebuke from 

 Will : '' What a pity such a good-looking 

 woman — we should say bitch of one of the 

 pack — should have such a riotous tongue." 



It was during the latter part of Goodall's time. 



