FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



himself, so " talk him along," and try to get him 

 and that shy old bitch. Rarity, and that star-gaz- 

 ing, babbling old villain, Guardsmen, into the 

 game, leaving Bachelor and Prattler, Honesty, 

 Rapture, and the rest to meet their reward at the 

 end of the run in plentiful caress of voice and 

 hand. If cattle, sheep, or colts are on the line 

 try to get your whip up to you ; you may need 

 him, and it is bothersome to have to whip and 

 rate your own hounds. These obstructionists 

 may foil the line and bring about a check you 

 had not anticipated, and if so let hounds alone, 

 until they begin to get their heads up and " chuck 

 it," when you may take them in hand, as they 

 plainly show themselves ready for assistance, as 

 much as to say, " Boss, we give it up ! Where 

 did he go ? " Have a wary eye to the real hunt- 

 ers at such times, for wise old Bachelor may make 

 a cast forward on his own account, and if you 

 have let him get too far away from the main body 

 and yourself he may suddenly " own it " with a 

 joyous note, and be off before you and the rest 

 can get to him. Keep your field back at such 

 times. " Away back and sit down " is their 

 place. 



Arriving at your prearranged check, when 



274 



