32 HARE-HUNTING AND HARRIERS 



with inexhaustible patience kept worrying on till dark. 

 It was little matter where he left off, for the first sign- 

 post generally brought him and his friends to a stand, 

 and the poor hounds, with a boy, got home as they 

 could. He was always famous for especial care of the 

 interior, and it was generally so contrived as to have 

 a good repast prepared, particularly on the Saturday, 

 the next day not calling for business. ... As he was 

 late to begin, he was loth to leave off, and but few of 

 his compeers could either go the pace or stay as long. 

 The night worn away in smoke, mirth, and punch, he 

 used to be left asleep, which no one dared disturb. The 

 morn awoke and so did my friend, but yet no home for 

 him ; a good breakfast of beef steaks and malt wine 

 composed any restlessness in his spirits, and kept him 

 quiet till the dinner time came round. Boiled beef or 

 roast, it was no matter which, with plum pudding for 

 either, was too tempting to leave — and aloo sus again ! 

 Then a pipe to digest, and a bottle to wash down, 

 brought on Hesper once more, and then it was either too 

 dark, or too wet, or too cold, to move ; so another night 

 passed, and, strange to relate ! such was the enchanting 

 spell, that I have known this joyous buck, in his green 

 costume, and all over mud, repeat this over and over 

 again till the next hunting morning, the following 

 Wednesday, with only a mop for the boots and a pump 

 for the face — not even a pillow for his head. A visit 

 on the Monday of some of his companions excited fresh 

 vigour, and gave a helping hand, with, occasionally, 

 a choice brother spirit, to run the same gauntlet. This 

 was called a holiday. 



" His avocations at home were industrious and 

 governed by intelligence — he was an excellent farmer 

 and worked hard, but always bearing in mind pipes, 

 punch, and jollity for the evening." 



