254 AN ENGLISH GAMEKEEPER. 



affair. One would cry out: — "Who let the 

 bird out of the cage ?" as Joslin was passing ; 

 then some one else would start whistling a bird 

 tune. 



I had no occasion to complain, for it was a 

 very good slip, both as regards Mr. Player and 

 myself, since he was never any more trouble 

 to anybody. Had we kept him he would 

 probably have got six months in Springfield 

 Gaol, the same as his mate did, and after that 

 he would most likely have taken to poaching 

 again. 



Before I finish this chapter I must say a 

 word or two about Jones. Before the poach- 

 ing affray related in the tenth chapter, and 

 when he was out of a place, I used often to 

 meet him in Bishop Stortford, and he always 

 seemed ashamed of himself, and tried to shun 

 me. I would never allow him to do this, but 

 would always nail him and take him into the 

 " One Star" public house, and "stand" him a 

 good dinner, with a pipe and glass afterwards. 

 If I was very " flush " of money I would " tip " 

 him a shilling, and always, when I wished him 



