CAPTAIN SHAEBYHOUNDE 267 



There never was a more perfect master-stroke of policy 

 than that of the Captain. Generally speaking, it is a foolish, 

 thankless office, giving a man a hint about a servant ; but in 

 the Captain's case it was a dashing venture where he could 

 not lose. Besides we have already stated that Strutt had 

 cause of dissatisfaction with his master, who had shown certain 

 rebellious symptoms, all inclining towards having more of his 

 own way ; and of course what was unpalatable to the man, 

 would not be altogether lost upon the master. In truth, Strutt 

 did not accommodate his carefulness of the boy to the grow- 

 ing independence of the man, and Mr. Milksop had once or 

 twice gone out of his way rather to let Strutt see that he was 

 not to have the upper hand. The Captain's hint, therefore, 

 was not likely to be thrown away. Nevertheless, Mr. Milksop 

 had forgotten all about it, as in the enjoyment of the " balmy 

 breeze " of a fine hunting morning, he cantered up to the Cow 

 at Dunchurch. What did he see ! Strutt, instead of standing 

 with his usual patronizing air, with a couple of jean-jacketed 

 helpers behind him, acknowledging his presence with a finger 

 to his hat, appeared in an old cloth foraging cap, with a blue 

 pocket handkerchief bound over his left eye, while the other 

 exhibited symptoms of going into mourning. 



"What's the matter?" exclaimed Mr. Milksop, pulling up 

 in astonishment. 



"Matter !'' replied Strutt, with the dignity of a deeply 

 injured man ; " matter, by God ! " continued he, " I've pretty 

 near lost my precious life with that ere blasted rip of yours." 



" What rip ? " asked Mr. Milksop, who knew the term to be 

 one of general application. 



" Why that d d beast Colonel Scabbydog, or whatever 



they call him, has stuck into you." 



"What, my new horse! " exclaimed Mr. Milksop. 



"New Devil!'' retorted Mr. Strutt, "he's as vicious as a 

 whole caravan full of tigers." 



" Vicious ! " repeated Mr. Milksop. 



