A MORNING'S EXERCISE 29 



On one of the first days of September the usual 

 question was put, supplemented by the observation, 

 "Look at the muscles on hounds' backs and thighs, 

 and see how fit horses are." 



*' Yes ; but we must have a few more days on the 

 roads to harden hounds' feet, and one or two more of 

 these long trails on the hill tracks will be of great 

 benefit to horses' legs." 



'' Horses' legs are hard and clean, and old ' Safety ' 

 is getting quite conceited" (referring to an unex- 

 pected wallop the old mare had given some mornings 

 ago, and which had put me on to her neck). 



I took no notice of Bill's last remark, and replied, 

 " Yes, legs are good ; that's the cool wet grass knee- 

 high acting as a cold-water bandage, and the absence 

 of concussion in these soft hill tracks. They must 

 have some more of it, and get on to faster work and 

 have a pipe opener or two before they are fit to begin 

 business, as you put it ; but perhaps the week after 

 next, if it comes rain." 



I saw Billy's suction get a little stronger, and great 

 volumes of smoke came from his half-extinguished 

 pipe, and he vented his feelings by putting his heels 

 into his mare's sides, which caused her to jump 

 forward almost on the top of some coupled hounds. 



At late breakfast he said, through a mouthful of 

 cold grouse pie, '^ I don't know which part of it I 

 like best, it's all so splendid and wholesome." 



Joanna and I exchanged glances, for this was the 

 exact description given of Billy himself lately, and it 

 fitted him precisely. 



" I think I know," said the lady, as she drew the 

 oatcakes and honey from his reach ; " but really, you 



