122 AN ENGLISH GAMEKEEPER. 



after which we made off in the direction of 

 Chesham. 



As soon as we were out of sight of the men, 

 Smith, the constable, and myself turned back 

 again after them ; the shepherd, however, left 

 us and went -on to Chesham and reported the 

 matter, stating that we were still in pursuit, 

 going towards Ashbridge or Cholsburg Com- 

 mon. This news caused about twelve or fifteen 

 young tradesmen, who had been fleeced by the 

 coiners, to come out and follow in the chase. 



We first sighted our men near Ashbridge, or 

 Chartridge Village. Smith and I went into the 

 public house, and there we heard that the three 

 men had just gone by, so I pulled off" my heavy 

 keeper's jacket and necktie, to lighten myself 

 as much as possible, preparatory to another 

 chase. Then I put on a sleeve waistcoat, which 

 I borrowed from the landlady, and gave my 

 watch into her keeping. 



We then left the public house, and had not 

 got very far out of the village, when I saw all 

 three men going down a footpath leading out 

 of the village, off" the high road. This footpath 



