AET OF "PUGGING." 6 



flatter, covering a great deal more of the hoof ; and 

 such ponies as the villagers about here possess, are 

 probably unshod. Certainly on the hind feet, even 

 though belonging to some native chief or dignitary 

 of the neighbouring towns." 



" I don't think I could tell the difference gene- 

 rally," said Hawkes. 



" You'll learn that in time. Take every oppor- 

 tunity of examining the pugs as you go along, and 

 you'll soon acquire an eye for distinguishing them ; 

 and also if the impression is recent or the reverse. 

 But see, there are other signs of our people. Here 

 are the prints of two small dogs, evidently not those 

 of the country curs, but Terry's or Mug's. And 

 again, look here. This is not the mark left by the 

 usual native shoe ; it is more of our fashion, and 

 must belong to your Portuguese servant." 



" Well, when you have finished your instruction," 

 growled Mackenzie, who was getting a little impa- 

 tient at the length the lesson in tracking seemed 

 likely to last, " I vote we move on. At present I 

 consider breakfast decidedly more important than 

 the acquisition of knowledge by your promising 

 pupil, Norman. Let him mark now, and learn, and 

 inwardly digest [after yes, after breakfast. You 

 are satisfied we are on the road ; suppose at present 

 we make the best use of that scrap of knowledge." 



