UNDER THE LEE OF NORFOLK SANDHILLS 309 



is a long lane which has no turning, and at last, when the 

 cold had begun to penetrate our furs, when our toes seemed 

 frost-bitten and we had almost lost hope of getting to our 

 destination that night, we rounded a clump of willows, passed 

 another mill, saw the cheerful lights of two or three cottages, 

 and ten minutes later were warming our toes at the blazing 

 logs of the rectory fire. 



Here we found a substitute for the peerless Princess 

 Dulcinea del Toboso in the bright, rosy-cheeked little daughter 

 of our host, a child of seven or eight summers, sweetly 

 attractive in her rural simplicity. She, in company with her 

 brother, an interesting youth of about the same age, danced 

 round us in delight at the prospect of a visitor to that out-of 

 the-way region, whilst we lost no time in winning their 

 joint affections by producing a large parcel of sweets, which 

 were promptly transferred to a disused tobacco tin (their 

 comfit box), and which were discussed by them for the rest of 

 the evening with huge delight. Our host, all aglow with 

 hospitality, busied himself with the bringing in of the traps 

 and sporting paraphernalia. 



In the midst of these responsibilities he suddenly burst in 

 upon us with an anxious inquiry : " How about the bait I 

 told you to bring along ? I can't find it anywhere." 



This forgetfulness was most annoying, and we cannot help 

 using strong language. " Cayo sel rayo ! we have left it 

 behind us." 



Thoughtfully he stroked his chin. Inquiringly he looked 

 at us. We could do nothing but look at him. " Well, what 

 is to be done ? " he said. 



" Quien sabe, unless we use artificial," was the reply. 



" I must consult John." With that he bounced out of the 

 apartment. 



In a few minutes our friend was back again. " It's all 

 right; John is going with the pony the first thing in the 

 morning, and expects to be able to get all the bait you are 

 likely to require." 



In a relieved frame of mind he seated himself, crossed his 



