CHASING AND RACING in 



you would be broken up before help could arrive or the 

 hounds realize their mistake. Remember * Uncle 

 Punch's ' yarn about the master who kept chickens in 

 the loft over his kennels." 



" What was that, Ted ? " from a chorus of hilarious 

 voices. 



" Why," continued my cousin, ** although his hens 

 cackled regularly and continuously, devil an egg did 

 their owner gather. Naturally he suspected deliberate 

 larceny, so he lifted the lid of the trap-door which was 

 plumb above the sleeping kennel, and substituted a 

 square of thick brown paper, which he covered with 

 light wisps of hay. In the morning he was enriched 

 by a dozen new-laid eggs, and in the kennel was found 

 a pair of boots ! The hounds refused to answer to 

 ** Yoi cess cess ! " 



But this fearsome tale of tragedy failed to over- 

 awe me; 



** It's a challenge," I replied. " He has dared me, 

 and bet upon it. Fm on, and chance the ducks. 

 * If 'twere done, when 'twere done, 'twere well 'twere 

 done quickly.' So come along. Here goes ! " 



Suiting action to words I arose and picked up 

 my cloth shooting cap. 



" Well, Cockie," said Ted, shaking his head 

 mournfully, " at least I — note the first person singular — • 

 (very 1) — insist on one condition. We must all accom- 

 pany you armed with whips, and stand by when you 

 enter the kennel, in case of accidents." 



