204 SKETCHES IN THE HUNTING FIELD. 



the next field, heading for the flag by Straightley's 

 house, the mare, her own length in front, getting over 

 the heavy plough more easily than Achates. In this 

 order they land over a hedge, with a ditch on the take-off 

 side, into the grass : much better going here ; the mare 

 shakes her head and plays with her bit as she feels her 

 rider's light hand on the rein : Achates following with 

 a mighty stride. Easily over some posts and rails, 

 gently in and out of a double, and round the first flag ; 

 the mare with, perhaps, a trifle the better lead than 

 before while ascending the hill. More than half the 

 journey is over, and Beauclerc puts on a little spurt and 

 comes down quickly to the water ; but Achates is not to 

 be shaken ofl", and they land over the brook simul- 

 taneously. It is half a mile to home, over two hurdles, 

 and the mare's rider glances anxiously at his com- 

 panion, who is pounding away steadily on nearly equal 

 terms with him. There is a slight jerk in the mare's 

 stride, and a want of that free spring with which she 

 started, for the pace has been very hot. Over the 

 hurdle Dick is taking it very quietly, and for the first 

 time Beauclerc feels uncomfortable, and inclined to 

 think that he is only keeping the half length ahead on 

 sufferance. They charge the last hurdle together. 

 Neither of the animals have been touched as yet ; but 

 Beauclerc sees that if he is to win he must fight for it, 

 so he takes tight hold of the mare's head, and sets her 

 going. She pluckily responds, and shoots out beyond 

 Achates ; but only for a moment, for when Dick takes 



