74 FOX-HOUND, FOREST, AND PRAIRIE. 



perilous country ! and Onlooker felt heartily grateful that his 

 lot was only to depict such dangerous scenes. By the help of a 

 road running close parallel, he was able to be there at the 

 finish, as quick as others ; to witness a fat fox pulled down in 

 his tracks after only thirteen bursting minutes. If the rest of 

 the day was comparatively barren, Onlooker had still enough 

 to carry away with him not only in the memory of the 

 morning's incidents, but in appreciation of hounds, men, and 

 material. It would only be repeating what has been said and 

 written so constantly of late years, if he were to make mark of 

 the neat and workmanlike appearance of the staff and their 

 mounts. The hounds had long been an object on which 

 Onlooker had hoped to cast eyes. The ladies of the pack were 

 out to-day, and more than fulfilled all his expectations 

 founded though they were on the encomiums of far better 

 judges than himself. They are truly remarkable for fashion 

 and in their work ; and under Beers are as handy as spaniels, 

 keen as terriers. 



For the Friday immediately preceding Christmas the Quorn 

 appointed Brooksby Hall bringing thither a gathering typical 

 and topical, of season and scene. By no means a good day's 

 sport, there still was amusement for the multitude and, truly, 

 as one who loitered behind to see all, while doing as little as he 

 could, narrator never witnessed more enthusiastic riding. The 

 fences appeared not to be built that could prevent someone 

 from putting them to the test, or others from following the 

 lead till the whole strength of each impediment was levelled. 

 Onlooker had often and often from sheer cowardice awaited 

 such a consummation on previous occasions. Then it was with 

 a sense of shame a feeling possibly of nameless dread such as 

 Moore alluded to 



There's something strange, I know not what, 



Come o'er me. 

 Some phantom I've for ever got 



Before me. 



Now, on the contrary, he was able to hide all thought and 



