SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 163 



" I shan't tell it, unless asked in a civiler way/' 

 the groom replied. 



"Then I will find it out, and horsewhip him 

 instead of you, unless he discharges you instantly 

 from his service for such outrageous behaviour." 



The day proving unfavourable, our novus homo 

 did not put in an appearance at the place of meet- 

 ing, but the next morning a friend of the baronet's 

 called upon him to request that the servant who 

 had behaved so insolently the previous day might 

 be discharged. Objections being raised to this pro- 

 posal, Captain D , on the part of the baronet, 



suggested the expediency of his naming a friend 

 upon whom he might call to arrange preliminaries 

 for a meeting as early as possible the following 

 morning. 



"What, sir!" exclaimed the astonished gentleman, 

 "am I to be shot at because my servant happened 

 to throw some mud over your friend in galloping 

 up a road ? I have had dirt thrown in my face 

 when galloping after the hounds by those riding 

 before me." 



" Not unlikely, sir ; but your servant did this 

 purposely to insult my friend when there were no 

 hounds running ; and by his pulling his horse up 

 immediately afterwards, there can be no doubt as 

 to his object/' 



" I have my doubts about it, Captain D , 



and I shall not discharge my man. Now, would 

 you, in my case ? As a soldier and a gentleman , 

 I ask your candid opinion." 



" A master is answerable for his servant's action 



M 2 



