116 THE HUNTING-FIELD. 



And if on sylvan war intent. 

 Instead of joust, at tournament, 

 Beshrew me, but I hold the test 

 Will level soon thy rising crest." 



" Who calls that doggrel ? '' said I, flourishing 

 my stick Paddy-fashion. '' By this and that, show 

 me the man who does." 



" If you won't endanger my nose," said my 

 friend, laughing, " with that stick of yours, I'll 

 swear there's no comparison between Sir Walter 

 Scott and you." 



'' By the piper that played before Moses," said 

 I, " the shades of his ancestors would rise and 

 break your nose if you did." 



'^ But," said my friend, " this may be very 

 good fun for you, but what had I best do to get 

 out of " 



" The outsiders you mean, I suppose," inter- 

 rupted I. 



^' No," replied my friend ; " unfortunately they 

 are insiders at present." 



" Well, then," said I, " I leave you to-morrow ; 

 send them up with me by the train." 



" Agreed," said my friend. " But what will you 

 do with them ? I cannot think of encumbering you 

 with three horses unless I send a servant also." 



" Never mind," said I, " they'll get up safe 

 enough, and I Avill get them out safe enough : they 



