168 THE HUNTIXG-FIELD. 



to liis informant, who, unless lie knows the hounds, 

 or at all events hunting well, had better give no 

 information at all." 



" One more question," said my guest, " and 

 then I will let you off for to-night; for, after 

 giving the grey a lesson by day, and his master 

 ditto at night, I dare say you will be glad to get 

 rid of both." 



" So far from it," said I, ringing the bell, " send 

 for your groom, and let us hear how grey is by 

 this time." 



" Well, Martin," said my friend, on his servant 

 coming in, "how is Lancer — dead or alive?" 



" Oh, he^s pretty near right again, sir. I gave 

 him, as Mr, Hieover desired, some ale and gin : it 

 soon seemed to set him alive, and an hour ago 

 he eat his mash like a lyin." 



" Have you tried any yourself, Martin ?" said I. 



" No, sir," said Martin, stableman-like, laying 

 hold of his foretop from want of a hat. 



" Do then, by all means," said I ; " try it, men 

 and maids, and drink the grey's health." 



" A¥ell," said I, " while they pass my bill in the 

 lower house, which I doubt not they wdll do, 

 * nem. con.,' I in the upper one call ^ question.' 

 What do you want to know ?" 



" This," said my friend ; " when the three 

 hounds — I beg pardon, couple and a half — came 

 up to us, what did you mean by ' Yo dot,' or 



