72 CHASING AND RACING 



the Mastership, you propose to carry the horn 

 yourself ? ** 



" Why, of course," I replied; ** that is the beginning 

 and end of my ambition, a brass-bound sine qua 



non,^^ 



n 

 n 



Do you want to be a really popular Master ? *' 

 Why, certainly ! " 



" Then, my Cockie, if you will take my advice you 

 will employ a professional huntsman." 



** Nothing doing, uncle ! I would as soon allow a 

 servant to handle my hounds as a keeper to shoot my 

 pheasants or a gillie to play and land my salmon." 



" Is that what I am to tell the committee ? If so, 

 old chap, I am afraid they will turn you down." 



" Let them," I said. ** I have no desire whatever 

 for the social kudos which attaches to the M.F.H. I 

 am out to show sport and incidentally to enjoy it 

 myself. I have served a useful apprenticeship with the 

 "jelly dogs," and I flatter myself I have enough brains 

 and initiative to tackle the other game. I know that I 

 have much to learn, and that it will take time before 

 I am really efficient ; but I tell you what. Uncle 

 Punch, tell them that I am willing to engage a pro- 

 fessional to act as kennel huntsman and to ride in my 

 pocket until I feel my feet, so to speak. If the com- 

 mittee will accept this compromise I am content, 

 otherwise it's all off ! " 



And they did accept. For why ? They were 

 cornered and had no other card up their sleeve. 



