2 20 iRiMuG IRccoUectious aiiD ^urf Stories 



companion of the Squire's, assisted. Many a good 

 run have I seen in the Guildford Vale, and many a 

 long ride home have I also had. It was a custom of 

 the Master's, whenever he took the stag any distance 

 over ten miles away, to go to the nearest town or 

 village, put the horses and hounds in a stable, and, 

 if it was possible to get it, have a beefsteak and 

 oyster-sauce dinner ; after which he would order 

 some whisky, hot water, sugar, and lemon, and make 

 some punch, an art in which he was a great adept. 

 The Squire would insist upon every one who was up 

 at the finish joining in, and he always finished up by 

 singing (or, rather, talking) " The Good Old English 

 Gentleman." When all was over we used to take 

 the hounds home to the Durdans at Epsom. Often 

 we reached Epsom town by moonlight. Squire 

 Heathcote was a remarkable man. He had very 

 long, black, curly hair right down his back, and 

 wore his hunting-cap quite on the back of his head. 

 Although he had rather long legs, he used to ride 

 very short ; but he went as straight as possible over 

 a country. In spite of his ugly seat, he was a good 

 horseman, and a capital huntsman. He had a very 

 feminine voice, but could blow his horn well, and the 

 hounds were very fond of him. For many years he 

 officiated as master, and when I go into that part of 



