Xll INTRODUCTION. 



There are men who have hunted westward of 

 London who have seen more than one "bruisino;" 

 M. F. H. There are men in London and its 

 vicinity who have seen more than one Mr. Jes- 

 sainy ; though I am thankful to say that I never 

 saw but one veritable Jessamy with hounds. 

 I have put the General on a dun horse, merely, 

 because I never saw him on one of that colour ; 

 but the General lived and rode. The Clergy- 

 man mentioned lived (and I hope lives), and well 

 he did his duty in everything ; and well he did 

 his duty when, sub rosd, he managed a pack of 

 fox-hounds. Young Roberts lived, albeit that 

 was nearer his Christian than surname. 



Thus far I satisfy the curiosity of the Reader ; 

 my friend and guest also lived, and subsequently 

 often showed the way in Leicestershire. Would 

 he were now alive! 



Having thus introduced my Characters to my 

 Reader, I hope he will permit me to introduce 

 the book. 



If I should be asked why I have not written a 

 better book, the answer is very easy — because 

 I did not know how. If I am asked why I have 

 written in a somewhat peculiar way — I will give 

 my reasons for doing so. 



Whatever theme an author selects for his 

 pen, I conceive he should, as far as possible, make 



