344 THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



an amiable disposition, a feeling heart, and strictly honour- 

 able principles, early inculcated in him by his father, his 

 uncle, and Mr. Egerton, which could not fail to guide his 

 conduct through life. The other, that Sir John Inkleton 

 has been, from the first although perhaps the encourager 

 by his example of too expensive pursuits, namely, the 

 coach-box and fox-hunting a kind friend to him, by 

 giving him the benefit of his experience in several worldly 

 matters, as likewise in now and then checking the ardour 

 of a youthful mind, conscious that, one day or another, 

 gratification, to almost any extent, would be within his 

 reach. Instances in proof of each of these positions are 

 now about to appear. 



"What are your plans, Frank, for the winter cam- 

 paign ? " asked the Baronet, who paid him a visit at 

 Farndon Hall. 



" I shall go to Melton," replied Frank. 



" Pause for a moment," resumed Sir John, " before you 

 determine upon that step. Recollect, the state of your 

 stud is not equal to it at present, neither should I think 

 is that of your purse, as you have laid out large sums in 

 purchasing your carriages and coach-horses, furnishing 

 your house, stocking your cellars, &c. !) 



" But I can borrow what I may want from my solicitor, 

 until that little estate in Hertfordshire is sold," replied 

 our hero. 



" Take my advice," resumed the Baronet ; " do not 

 borrow from your lawyer. Lawyers are necessary agents 

 to men of property ; but the more independent we are of 

 them, the better chance have we of their doing us justice ; 

 and it would not be worth your while to raise money in 

 any other way, until that estate is sold. And, mind, I 

 do not blame you for your intention of selling it, since 

 a small property like that, in a distant part of the country, 

 is not worth keeping ; and the purchase-mouey will not 

 only give you a still better start in the world than you 

 have hitherto had, but, by enabling you to have your 

 income clear, so as to pay your way as you go, you will 

 save twenty per cent, upon everything. Let me advise 

 you, then, to defer your visit to Melton for one more 

 year." 



" But my house and stables, Inkleton ; what must I do 

 about them ? " exclaimed Frank. " I shall have the rent 

 to pay, and nothing for my money ! " 



