COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 151 



vided our whip, Mawe, would take his place with 

 you? He came to us with a good five years' cha- 

 racter as whip from Mr. Greaves of the Cottesmore 

 Hounds. Of course, I need hardly say that I have 

 not spoken a word to Mawe on the subject, nor have 

 I seen or heard a word of Clarke since he left this 

 country." 



I replied : 



" It is very inconvenient indeed for me to part 

 with Clarke, as he has just become acquainted with 

 the hounds and country. But at the same time, I 

 think it is hardly fair to prevent a man with a family 

 from getting a better situation, and to spoil the sport 

 of another country by keeping him, though by letting 

 him go I am losing the assistance of a man I can 

 ill spare, and thereby risking the sport of my own 

 country. 



" I know Will Mawe, and if I had not engaged 

 Clarke I would have taken him, and if he is willing 

 to take my situation I will make no objection to 

 Clarke going to you. Clarke's wages are ^75 per 

 annum, one suit of clothes, and no extras or perqui- 

 sites of any sort. If Mawe is satisfied with that, well 

 and good, but if he requires more I think you ought 

 to make up the difference, and pay all his expenses, 

 etc. 



" I have told Clarke that I received your letter, 

 and he is anxious to have the situation, so if Mawe 

 consents the sooner the change takes place the better. 

 Mawe can take Clarke's house off his hands, but all 



