382 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



petticoat to throw over his shoulders. Now, Jem, 

 down with this first/' pouring him out half a 

 tumbler of brandy-and-water, " and then go into 

 the basin of soup. Egad, Will, I think we had 

 better put him in between the blankets at once, and 

 do him up here for the night. '^ 



" I shall be all right again presently, thank ye, 

 squire ; but I do feel very much like a dog in a wet 

 sack." 



Horses and hounds, after a hard day, such as we 

 have been relating, are far better jogging quietly 

 on their way home, than standing or lying in a 

 stable, however comfortable, at a way-side inu, for 

 more than a few minutes, the former for a little 

 warm water or gruel to resuscitate their exhausted 

 frames, but as to the latter, it is very seldom that 

 any refreshment can be procured for them. Whilst 

 moving, hounds which have been strained or injured 

 by blows or blackthorns do not appear to feel these 

 effects; but when their limbs begin to stiffen by 

 lying down, they turn out quite lame. Will Head- 

 man, knowing this certain consequence, hastily 

 swallowed his soup and brandy-and-water, with a 

 small proportion of bread and meat, and pocketing 

 the remainder of the loaf for his pets, said, " Now, 

 squire, Vm ready ; but you can enjoy your meal 

 comfortably, and overtake me on the road." 



^' No, Will, I don^t want to spoil my dinner ; so 

 get out the hounds while I pay the bill — I shall be 

 ready, too, in five minutes." 



" Some of them go rather tenderly," remarked 

 Stavelcy, on resuming their tramp upon that road. 



