CHASING AND RACING 99 



the excellent sport that had been shown, and the record 

 tally of foxes accounted for. 



A general meeting of the Hunt was convened. 

 Ted, who was exceedingly popular with the farmers 

 and tradesmen, went a canvassing, and so well did he 

 succeed on my behalf that, when the matter was put to 

 the vote, the committee found themselves in a minority, 

 and forthwith resigned in a body. 



Then I did a foolish thing, and not for the first 

 time under similar circumstances. I have always been 

 utterly averse from kicking an enemy when he is down. 

 Given the whip hand I have invariably lowered the lash 

 and soothed the offender. In this case, in addressing 

 the meeting, I thanked it for its vote of confidence, but 

 implored it to restore the now thoroughly disgruntled 

 committee to its former status. This was done, but, 

 as usual, the coals of fire which I had heaped on the 

 heads of my enemies scorched my own hands cruelly. 



