CHASING AND RACING 53 



I saw that there was something wrong, as he wore a 

 very serious look. 



" I have bad news for you, sir ! " 



" Out with it, man " (I had a mysterious intuition). 

 " Something's the matter with Melbury ? " 



" He's gone, sir." 



" Dead ? " 



* Yes, sir ; when George (George White, my second 

 horseman) got him home, Melbury was seized with 

 gripes or something and was cast in his box. Before 

 we could get the vet. it was all over." 



A tragedy indeed, and under the circumstances, 

 painfully dramatic. 



Now to hark back to my "jelly dogs." 



Shortly after I had begun hunting the proble- 

 matical Missenden country, I received a communica- 

 tion from Mr. Cripps, Q.C., of Parmoor, near Marlow, 

 asking if I would care to take over his harrier country. 

 He was then over eighty years of age, and though hale 

 and hearty, he confessed that he did not feel equal to 

 carrying on with the Hambleden Vale pack. At his 

 invitation I went over to Parmoor with the ever-ready 

 Ted, on a voyage of discovery. We were most 

 hospitably received, and had an opportunity of witness- 

 ing the work of the harriers, a very level and useful 

 little lot, hunted by a charming old fellow, William 

 Snaith, of low stature and high voice, who consented 

 to come with the pack and to act as kennel huntsman. 

 From him I had many a useful wrinkle which served 



