i^h SKETCHES IN THE HUNTING FIE ID. 



" No, and she's particular troublesome to-day ; but 

 she'll do it presently," Bill answered, giving his mount 

 just a tap with his ash stick to remind her that there 

 were other means of persuasion available. 



" Not that time, my boy — well saved, though ! " he 

 exclaimed, as the pony stopped short once more with a 

 heave of the hind-quarters that almost shot Bill over 

 her head ; and then an idea struck the kind-hearted 

 farmer. 



" How would you like a ride with the hounds on a 

 real 'un some day ? I owe you a turn. Master Bill, for 

 catching my horse the other day," asked INIaizeley. 



The idea was too splendid for belief, and the boy 

 trotted up to the cart to look in Maizeley's face and see 

 whether he really meant it. Evidently he did. 



" Oh ! I should so like it ! Could you let me have 

 one ? " he answered. 



" You come round on Tuesday at half-past ten, and 

 we'll see," Maizeley replied, as pleased with the pleasure 

 he was giving as the boy himself, whose " Thank you, 

 Mr. Maizeley," was sincere and fervent. Then once 

 more he turned Peggy to her jump, and this time she 

 bounded over, gave a couple of kicks the other side, and 

 galloped off over the field. 



The eventful Tuesday arrived and Maizeley had not 

 forgotten, as Bill, in his intense anxiety, had thought he 

 possibly would do. 



" You shall have the young chestnut mare, Bill ; it'll 

 be a holiday for her to carry you," his friend said, and 



