338 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



'^ Knock my horse's brains out/will you'?'^ the voice 

 replied, "■ he is following me up the ditch, and tramp- 

 ling my legs to pieces — I can't get out of his way/' 



George saw at a glance how matters stood; and 

 springing from his saddle, seized the reins of the 

 floundering horse, and pulled him back upon his 

 haunches^ with his head against the bank. 



''^Now, sir, quick if you please;" and out crawled 

 an elderly gentleman, with snow-white hair. 



^^ Hurt ? " asked George. 



" Not much, thanks to Heaven and your assist- 

 ance. This comes of riding thoroughbreds in a 

 cramp country. I can never repay you. Captain 

 Tracy, for your timely help ; but I shan't forget it. 

 Now, go on, never mind that brute." 



'^ No, nO; sir, I'll get him out for you, now I am 

 about it. We are out of the race, but a brush 

 more or less is not of much consequence ; for good 

 luck, however, we have a long green lane before us, 

 beyond which I hear the hounds running, and Jem 

 cheering them. Come on, sir, we shan't be the last, 

 if we can't be the first." 



Meanwhile, Will Headman with Squire Staveley 

 were taking things quietly — far more quietly than 

 they desired ; yet there was no choice left to them, 

 without second horses, of doing more, when three 

 fire-eaters passed them, spurring their jaded horses 

 to their last exertions. 



" Good night, Mr. Headman,^' laughed the fore- 

 most ; *^' slow and sure — eh ? " 



Will made no reply^ but his look spoke unutter- 

 ables. 



