CHAPTER XII. 



SIR ROBERT USHER AND MR ANDREW GILLON. 



1906-1910. 



In 1906, as in years gone bye, the old wood of 

 Drumshoreland formed a dark line in the landscape, 

 the Cairn hills looked down sullenly on the rough 

 grass and moorland stretching away from them on 

 all sides, and Cockleroi and Binny craig reared 

 their rocky heads against the sky. But while 

 these and other landmarks were then much as 

 they had been, the face of the country had altered 

 generally, for the change brought about through 

 the working of the minerals and the use of wire 

 in fencing, had steadily asserted itself Still, then 

 as now, there remained a fair extent both of old 

 grass and agricultural land over which hounds 

 could run or hunt as scent served, and when Sir 

 Robert Usher and his brothers retired, the sport 

 was almost as popular as ever. Probably it was 

 as much for the sake of his many hunting friends 

 as from a desire to effect the continuance of an 

 old establishment that, shortly after his resigna- 

 tion. Sir Robert volunteered to remain in office. 



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