HORSEMANSHIP 123 



obstacle. He only managed to stop the car 

 in time to see the dead body of a retriever 

 stretched in the dust of the road behind him, 

 while its master stood over it with a tragic look 

 upon his face. 



" I'm really awfully sorry," said my uncle, 

 who was ridiculously soft-hearted. "I do 

 hope the dog was not a great favourite." 



" Pore ole Bob !" replied the farmer, as he 

 knelt beside the dog; "I've 'ad 'im nigh on 

 fifteen year, come Michaelmas." 



" Dear, dear ! Well, I'm afraid nothing I can 

 do will bring him to life again. But if I can 

 compensate in any way " 



A wan smile lit up the man's expressionless 

 features. 



" Here's a couple of sovereigns," added Lord 

 Porpentine, handing over the coins. " I hope 

 you'll buy yourself a younger dog next time." 



" Thank you kindly, my lord, I'm sure." 



*' I'm afraid, too, that I've rather put an end 

 to your day's sport," continued the motorist. 

 " And by-the-by," he asked, " what is it that 

 you can possibly find to shoot at this time of 

 year ?" 



" To tell you the truth, my lord," the farmer 

 answered, with some natural hesitation, "JL 

 were just a-goin' to shoot this pore old dog o' 

 mine. 'E's been ailin' some time, and " 



