THE POACHER'S REVENGE. 115 



"By all means let the judging commence," said Lady 

 Middleford. "But what can have kept him, I wonder? I 

 am getting quite anxious." 



" Don't worry ; he's sure to turn up directly," said Captain 

 Charlton. And then the proceedings commenced. 



The dog puppies were a wonderful level lot, and the 

 competition was a close one. Legs, feet, back, ribs, and head 

 were all passed in review. One judge fancied this hound ; 

 another thought that one's shoulders were a little the better. 

 At last the number was reduced to three. " We will see them 

 on the grass, please," said the judges. And then it was 

 announced that Warrior, by Brocklesby Acrobat, was awarded 

 first prize, Flinger and Herald being next in order. 



Still no sign of the Master. What could have happened 

 to him ? Lady Middleford's face began to wear an anxious 

 look. " Do you know if the new horse, Macauley, is a quiet 

 one to ride ? " she asked Captain Charlton. 



" Oh, yes," he replied, " but then your husband is a superb 

 horseman, and can ride anything. I expect Hocklin, the 

 herdsman, has detained him, and he will be here directly." 



Now came "the little ladies'" turn, and a stream of 

 white, black and tan was turned into the yard. A beauti- 

 ful lot of bitches they were, too, as the descendants of such 

 Belvoir and Brocklesby ancestors should be. The competi- 

 tion was again a close one, but eventually the prizes 

 were awarded ; and then a door opened, and Lord Middleford 

 looking somewhat pale, and showing signs on his clothes ol 

 having had a tumble, walked into the yard. 



" I must apologise, ladies and gentlemen," he said, " for 

 being so late ; but I had a spill in the woods, and my horse 

 got away from me, so I fear I have missed the judging. Ah, 

 these are the prize winners, are they ? " as Raven handed 

 h.m a marked card. " We'll just have a look at the old 

 hounds, and then we'll 2^0 to lunch." 



