124 BEATING THE SPRINGS AND THE WOOD. 



up a meet, however, to attend a poor patient ; 

 but his wealthier clients, and his connection 

 extended through the entire county, could not 

 rely upon him for either complimentary or 

 unnecessary visits. 



"Staunton, where would you like to go 

 to-morrow ? " asked my uncle, " I think we 

 might try Doyle's Marshes." 



" Wherever you like. I am afraid you will 

 find I have fallen off in my shooting." 



" Oh, come, don't try to be modest. A man 

 no more forgets how to shoot, than he forgets 

 how to swim or to skate, having once learned." 



" I am sorry I can't join you, boys/' says the 

 Doctor, " but can't you drop in on me to din- 

 ner? You'll have to pass by the house, and 

 you can send things for changing round in 

 the morning.'' 



This proposition was agreed to cheerfully. 



I had a little difficulty in knocking up Fred in 

 the raw morning, and duly pointed out his tub 

 to him, at which he groaned, and begged for a 

 respite until daylight at least. "Why, it is 

 the middle of the night yet, Will, and we 

 can't start in the dark.'' 



