86 THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



he had not too much the start of us. Secondly, the 

 country was excellent, until after we crossed the Stark, 

 when a change of soil occurred, which is much against 

 hounds in chase. Thirdly, we were twice brought to 

 check by sheep, which, having a good fox on foot, threw 

 us again behind. Then, to crown all, we had rather an 

 unusual occurrence in that country four fallows to cross 

 in succession, which required the most patient hunting to 

 enable us to hold on. 



" The finish, however, was a glorious one. Bothered by 

 the thirty-five minutes' burst, and a good hour's close 

 hunting afterwards, the fox tried the earths at Haindeu 

 Wood, and finding them shut, laid himself down in the 

 cover, and broke before the pack in view, having been 

 beautifully hunted to his point. In the space of thirteen 

 minutes, as fast as foot could fall, we turned him up in 

 the open, as your son Frank can attest." 



Here Mr. Raby looked at his son, evidently with feelings 

 of satisfaction, but deemed it prudent not to hazard a 

 word ; and Sir John proceeded with his remarks. 



" Then look at Mr. Warde himself. Putting the sports- 

 man out of the question, what a true specimen he is of the 

 old English gentleman. How amusing is his conversation ; 

 how playful his wit ; how manly his exterior ; and yet, 

 how polished are his manners when in contact with 

 polished society ! How unfortunate it is that he is so 

 heavy ; for horses can scarcely be found to carry him well 

 up to his hounds, over this very deep country." 



" Was Henry Warde out to-day 1 " inquired Mr. Raby. 



" He was," replied Sir John ; " he rode his famous 

 horse, Star, for which, although a roarer, he has refused 

 the immense price of 600 guineas. It is the only instance, 

 I believe, on record, of a horse, with that defect, being 

 esteemed so valuable as a hunter." 



" I conclude," continued Mr. Raby, " that you often 

 visit the headquarters of Mr. Warde's hunt ? " 



" Why," answered Sir John, " they lie rather wide of 

 me ; but 1 am occasionally indiiced to do so by the 

 pleasant society I meet with. Then, again, wherever 

 John Warde is, there is sure to be mirth and fun, and 

 the living is very good at the club. Indeed, he told me 

 this morning, in his usual droll style, that 'everything 

 there was very good but the reckoning.' " 



"Ah! ah' 1 ." observed Mr. Raby, "that is John Warde 



