316 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



a spanking rate over some rough old pasture fields. 

 For four miles no interruption occurs, Will Head- 

 man and Jem having nothing to do but to ride, 

 until they reach Calcot Plantation, in the middle of 

 which there is a large pool, with a grass drive all 

 round it. The hounds dash eagerly into the water, 

 crossing over to the opposite bank ; they feather out 

 amongst the rough brushwood, trying right and left 

 of themselves, but no tongue is going. Will Head- 

 man now comes to their assistance, but his ma- 

 noeuvring fails to recover the scent. 



" What's become of him, master ?" exclaims Jem ; 

 " drowned himself to outwit us ? " 



"No, not that; I have it now. He has doubled 

 back into the water from the same spot he landed, 

 and swam down midway to the tail of the pool. Here 

 here, my lads ! " and he galloped to the point he 

 expected the fox would make for. " Hah ! we have 

 him again." The old hounds take up the hunting 

 noses are down instead of heads up. They do not 

 dash and fly as heretofore, neither is there a clamor- 

 ous cry, yet they press steadily forward. A patch 

 of stunted gorse lies in the fox's way, through 

 which he brushes, lingering for a short while to 

 recruit his failing strength, and thence boldly sets 

 his head straight up wind for home. Once more 

 their heads are up and sterns lowered, and away 

 they go, running as if they viewed him. 



" That move settles him," cried Will Headman in 

 delight. " The Beacon Hills are looming in the fur 

 distance, but he can't reach them." For five miles 

 more the longest five yet accomplished they still 



