162 MANAGEMENT OF HOUNDS. 



which were closed. Finding no refuge here, our gallant 

 game, without more ado, broke away again, and set his 

 head straight for my neighbour's country, resolved to do 

 or die. We ran him for several miles with a moderate 

 and treacherous scent into the heart of the adjoining 

 hunt, and our first check of any consequence was at a 

 rather wide brook. The hounds crossed over near a 

 ford or shallow place, where the horses could easily cross 

 as well, and after running up to an old stone quarry they 

 turned short back upon us as we were ascending the 

 hill, and crossed the brook again nearly in the same 

 place, one or two favourite hounds only throwing their 

 tongues. 



" Hang it," exclaimed my friend, who was still with 

 me, " this can never be right — they are running heel." 

 *' No, no," I said, " you are thinking of your little cur- 

 rant jelly dogs at home ; our big-headed animals don't 

 do things in that fashion." Right, my boys ! for over he 

 went. He tried the quarry hole, but it was shut ; " and 

 now he is away again for another dodge, and perhaps 

 (looking slily at my friend) for another day." " Aye, 

 that he is, old fellow, you may depend upon it ; you won't 

 handle him to-day, with all your knowing looks and 

 craft besides." " Come on, then, and see, for he has an 

 hour in him still, and we shall make your old horse cry 

 * Bellows to mend !' before he is booked ; for datch him 

 I mean if he keeps above ground." Passing through a 

 small brake on the opposite side of the brook, where the 

 fox, I think, waited a minute or two, to shake himself 

 dry, or determine upon his next course of proceeding, 

 the hounds got upon better terms, and began running 

 for a mile or two rather sharply. We then came to slow 



