THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 275 



given this evening, that is to say, the one following the 

 King, and fox-hunting, was " THE ROAD ! " As may be 

 supposed, it gave rise to some conversation on the subject, 

 of which the following is the substance : 



Sir John. " Well, Frank, I must say that, from what I 

 have to-day seen of your coaching establishment, I am 

 inclined to think you will make a very good start on the 

 road that is to say, if the cattle are to your liking." 



Lord Edmonston. " I think so, too ; but you will pay 

 dear for your whistle. I understand the expenses of a 

 complete driving establishment, to the same extent as 

 yours, are calculated at 1200 a year, at least." 



Sir John. " I can confirm that by my own experience. 

 Mine costs me a little more than that sum, including what 

 I give away annually to road coachmen and guards." 



Lord Edmonston. " You are the Maecenas of guards and 

 coachmen, I understand, Inkleton. At all events, your 

 name is known to all that I have ever come into contact 

 with, and on all roads." 



Sir John. " I do what I can for them ; I think that, 

 when they conduct themselves properly, they are a very 

 deserving set of men, and are not so well remunerated as 

 they ought to be, considering the wear and tear of life 

 inseparable from their calling, and the risks they incur of 

 accidents. I do not grudge what they get from me, 

 because I have seen much improvement amongst them, 

 on my road, from the notice I have taken of them. They 

 are aware that good conduct is their only passport to my 

 favour." 



Lord Edmonston. " And is it true, Inkleton, that the 

 expenses of a stud of twelve hunters and two hacks, at 

 Melton, amount to 1200 per annum ?" 



Sir John. " As nearly so as possible I mean the stud 

 only ; that sum extends not beyond the stable-yard ; it 

 has nothing to do with the house expenses of their owner." 



Goodall. " Why, Frank, 2500 a year for horses only ! 

 It will make a big hole in the 5000 a year, eh 1 We 

 shall be having another journey together into the city, if 

 the Squire of Amstead lives to be as old as my father 

 is, eh?" 



Frank Ruby. " Thanks for the hint, Goodall, although 

 it smells a little of the shop. But you forget that all the 

 money my poor uncle left me is at my disposal, so that if, 

 during my father's life which I hope may be a long one 



