SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 363 



him into nearer relationship with his hounds ; and 

 the glance of his eagle eye detected in a few minutes 

 the sudden swerving of the chase to the left, of 

 which he took immediate advantage, and nicked in 

 just at the critical time as their heads were again 

 turned towards the hill. 



"Ah/' he muttered, "I see it all. He hadn't 

 start enough for Hazel Grove, and now means the 

 gorse again. Hang it ! going down such a hill- is 

 bad enough ; but I'll warrant we all went down a 

 deal quicker than ever we shall go up.'^ 



Will's surmises proved something more than mere 

 guesses as to this part of the performance. The 

 ascent was in truth a choker to all save fox and 

 hounds. Horsemen could not make a trot even by 

 tortuous windings and tackings, and there was the 

 pack before their eyes, going up at such a pace ! 

 Will Headman tried it on foot — so did Jem; but 

 the latter, being as light as a feather in comparison 

 with his master, took precedence in pedestrianism. 

 Jem could run where his superior could only make a 

 walk of it, blowing like a grampus the while : and, 

 as a natural result, the first whip had the best of 

 this up-hill game. Ere, however, Jem reached the 

 top, the hounds were over the downs and far away, 

 going at racing pace as before, and they ran from 

 scent to view, pulling down their fox within half a 

 mile of the gorse entirely by themselves. Jem was 

 again the first man up; but nought remained of 

 the fox save his head, which Chancellor was carrying 

 about in triumph. 



" Halves, old fellow !" said Jem, catching him by 



