154 A MEDLEY OF SPORT 



old hunting-kit. But come in and have a drink and 

 we'll see what we can do." 



Ten minutes later Denis left the Hall, carrying with 

 him a market-basket, in which were stowed an old pair 

 of bull-finched white cords, a pair of top-boots with the 

 " threepenny " spurs attached, a well-worn hunting- 

 frock, and last, but not least, an antiquated white beaver 

 hat, which he had chosen from a miscellaneous collection 

 of old head-gear. "For sure, your honours," said he, 

 " 'tis the grand hat for a sportsman, an' there'll be no 

 mistakin' it, when it lades past the winnin'-post, by any 

 man, woman, or child along the coorse." 



It was a proud day for the " best blood of the 

 O'Gradys" when he emerged from his cottage door 

 arrayed in all the glory of the aforementioned outfit, with 

 the exception of the top-boots, which, as Denis tersely 

 expressed it, " were too tight in the foot and too loose 

 in the legs." A pair of coachman's pink-tops were 

 requisitioned, although they were at least a couple of 

 sizes too large in both respects. Nevertheless, they were 

 not without their good points, for, to quote the borrower's 

 own words, " There's divil a fear iv me bein' hung up in 

 the stirrups, for if the mare puts me down I'll shed 

 them as aisy as an ould rat dhrops the skin iv his tail." 

 He might, indeed, have shed the remainder of his ap- 

 parel with equal ease had not Mrs O'Grady been busy 

 with her needle ; and what with sundry tucks, which 

 there was no pretence of hiding, and shifting of buttons, 

 she had managed to give the garments a hold that would 



