150 THE ANGLER AND HUNTSMAN 



eouraged the riders on, and on, and still on over weary 

 miles, after Reynard had run clear out of the country, pit- 

 ting his endurance against that of the dogs and the hunters. 

 In such cases, the sportsmen knew that if they stayed on to 

 the finish they would be amply rewarded by witnessing the 

 mighty combat between the wily fox and Sailor. So this 

 old champion of the chase was a favorite hero. But not all 

 the honors belonged to him, for there was the strident, shrill, 

 high-pitched voice of "Lady Gay/' than which there was no 

 dog; with more fox sense or with four fleeter legs. It was 

 her we distinctly made out, and others, too, could easily be 

 recognized. Old "Tobe" could be heard mouthing in a 

 squalling voice; "Barney" was giving vent to his feelings 

 by quick, short howls; Old "Bally," was tongueing on track 

 with a voice delightful to the ear of the fox-hunter, and al- 

 together, the high staccatos, and deep heavy bassos the 

 chorus was blended into perfect harmony, just as though a 

 musical director was there and guiding them, so harmonious 

 and beautiful did the melody sound that morning. 



Presently, the dogs entered the hills to the east, and, 

 galloping swiftly across the open valley, the huntsmen were 

 soon entering the hills also. 



The fox was, sure enough, leading them to higher 

 ground . Once on the ridge, he began playing tricks on his 

 pursuers by doubling back on his trail, then scampering off 

 in a new direction. But those veteran dogs were not to be 

 fooled. Of course, for a little while, a prank would bother 

 them somewhat, but soon they'd pick up the scent spool- 

 again and continue the pursuit. With bur glasses, once we 

 had gained the ridge, the direction the fox was heading was 

 discovered, and all hands knew whither he was traveling- 

 lie was making for the den, the location of which every mem- 

 ber of the party \vas aware of, so, in order to keep Reynard 

 from attaining his object, the Master of Hounds commanded 

 all to ride immediately to the den and there await the fox's 

 approach, which would have the effect of keeping him going 



