The Sport of Our Jincestors 



Larry had longed to follow them, or rather to take it 

 alongside of them, but was mindful at last of Kate, and 

 hurried down the ditch to the spot Tony had chosen, and 

 which was now crowded by horsemen. * He would have 

 done it as well as the best of them,' said Kate, panting for 

 breath. 



* We 're all right,' said Larry. ' Follow me. Don't let 

 them hustle you out. Now, Mat, can't you make way for a 

 lady half a minute ? ' Mat growled, quite understanding 

 the use which was being made of Kate Masters ; but he did 

 give way and was rewarded with a gracious smile. * You are 

 going uncommon well. Miss Kate,' said Mat, * and I won't 

 stop you.' ' I am so much obliged to you, Mr. Ruggles,' 

 said Kate, not scrupling for a moment to take the advantage 

 offered her. The fox had turned a little to the left, which 

 was in Larry's favour, and the Major was now close to him, 

 covered on one side with mud, but still looking as though 

 the mud were all right. There are some men who can 

 crush their hats, have their boots and breeches full of water, 

 and be covered with dirt from their faces downwards, and 

 yet look as though nothing were amiss, while, with others, 

 the marks of a fall are always provocative either of pity or 

 ridicule. ' I hope you 're not hurt. Major Caneback,' said 

 Larry, glad of the occasion to speak to so distinguished an 

 individual. The Major grunted as he rode on, finding no 

 necessity here even for his customary two words. Little 

 accidents, such as that, were the price he paid for his day's 

 entertainment. 

 274 



