SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 337 



"Ah! that comes of larking when hounds are 

 not running; I thought how it would be. Well, 

 harden your heart, for here's a nasty murky-looking 

 piece of water before us, and have it we must/' 



" I shall have some of it, Tracy, and no mistake, 

 for my confounded brute never will jump water ; but 

 now he's sure to go into it for a guzzle." 



" Well, hang it, Coventry ! I can't stop till he has 

 done drinking; but if you're under, old chap, I'll 

 pull you out on terra firma that's all that can be 

 expected of a friend under such pressing circum- 

 stances." 



Sam's horse dived as expected like a duck under 

 water ; but his rider had taken the precaution of 

 throwing the stirrup leathers over his shoulders, and 

 being a light weight, sprang clear of him to the 

 opposite bank. 



" Well done, Sam," cried George, whose horse 

 had cleared the bank cleverly ; " by gad ! you ought 

 to be at Astley's. Ta-ta, old fellow ! Lots of chaps 

 behind to drag him out, if he's worth the trouble." 



George Tracy spurred away over the field to the 

 next fence, which proved a yawner ; and as he got 

 over, loud cries for help assailed his ear, a little 

 higher up, but no object met his view. " By gad ! " 

 he thought, " there must be some poor fellow come 

 to grief in that dyke, and his horse, perhaps, atop 

 of him. Well, he must get out as he can, the pace 

 is too good." Another loud cry, smote his ear, and 

 this time his heart also. " Confound it ! I can't 

 leave him in such a plight ;" and riding up quickly, 

 he said, " Holloa, old fellow, what's the row ?" 



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