42 HOUND AND HORN 



lost a spur — made good use of the remaining one, 

 though," he added viciously. 



Later on, from the room adjoining the smoke-room, 

 scraps of conversation came drifting. Billy was evi- 

 dently telling his oft-told tale, and from the tone of 

 his voice, seeking s^^mpathy. 



"Are you still thinking of selling 'Quicksilver'?" 

 asked Joan. 



" I would willingly have presented her to my 

 dearest foe this morning," he replied. *' What's 

 the use of keeping a beast that won't jump when 

 asked, and jumps like a wallaby when not wanted ? " 

 Then raising his voice, *' I wonder if the Master has 

 written up his journal ? " 



''Just done so." 



" What have you said ? " 



" Hounds ran a cracker with an old fox from 

 Dodhead cover by Whiterope Moss, Glenlude Linn, 

 and Blaw-wearie Moor to Burnfoot with no help, 

 and without checking, and marked the fox to ground 

 in the Park Mill pond drain — a fourteen-mile point — 

 all up except old Lapwing and one and a half couple 

 of puppies." 



" Did you say all the staff was up at the drain, 

 or up the drain ? Because " 



"And lost hounds for a time, and Whipper-in 

 altogether," suggested Joanna. 



" I am adding. Second Whip lost his horse, one of 

 his spurs, and part of his temper." 



" Never cub unless you're sure of finding cubs," 

 growled Billy. 



" Never holler hounds on to an old fox. Good 

 night," was the retort. 



