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CHAPTER XXL 



" STEVE " A COUPLE OF HOUNDS DUG OUT OF A DRAIN 



GOOD BRAILSFORD DAY A BISHTON FOX — WEDDING 



PRESENT TO MR. AND MRS. FRANK COOPER — A GOOD 



CUBLEY BYE-DAY A BATCH OF YOUNGSTERS SPORT 



IMPROVES A TERRIER KILLS THE FOX A CLINKING 



GALLOP FROM REEVE's MOOR — GREAT DAY WITH THE 

 " squire's " HOUNDS A HARD DAY FROM LONGFORD 



1899-1900. 



This season was full of promise, and every one felt 

 satisfied witli the staff. Stephen Burtenshaw had been a 

 universal favourite as first whipper-in, and justly so, for 

 a more civil, pleasant-mannered, obliging man there could 

 not be, while he was as keen as mustard. It is not going 

 beyond the mark to hazard an opinion that, if the Hunt 

 had been canvassed, a very large majority would have 

 been in favour of his being huntsman. William Weston 

 from Colonel Chandos-Pole's hounds, a fine horseman, was 

 first, and Tom Taylor, a hard-riding, active fellow, second 

 whipper-in. 



WITH THE ]\IEYNELL HOUNDS. 

 Monday, October 30th, was the opening day at Sudbury, and for the first time 

 for many years the Coppice was chosen for the place of meeting, as the song says. 

 The stars in their courses, we are told, fought against Sisera, but the elements 

 fought on the side of the Meynell. A down-right soaking rain, which made the 

 going excellent, made way for a perfect day. Every one could don their new 

 habit or coat without fear of damaging it, and the rain had rendered it soft falling 

 for any one who was destined to soil a new pink. No less than three fulfilled 

 that destiny at the first fence. But we have not got to it yet. We must have a 

 look at the hounds first, and a pleasing sight they are with their well-filled backs, 

 fine coats, and bright eyes. It does not take an expert to tell that they are in 

 rare fettle. Then, are not old friends arriving every minute, and cheery g:-eetings 



