DEVON AND SOMERSET. 103 



Then the eager hounds race upwards, their 

 whimpering cry floats by upon the cool west 

 wind, the hard high road is left finally behind, 

 the sheep hurry off stampeding, and the second 

 forest run of the season has begun, and no 

 mistake. Close packed together, racing for dear 

 life, heads up and sterns down, no music now, 

 away they go over Squallacombe and down the 

 long slope of Vintcombe to cross the tiny stream 

 of the Barle and the Challacombe Road at 

 Driver Cott. Then right up over the long ascent 

 beyond, horses blowing and lathering, some left 

 far behind already, one saddle empty, with the 

 Chains on the left front and Exe Plain on the 

 right — a choice of evils. Now they are bending 

 slightly to the right, a welcome sign, for it 

 means Farley Water and Brendon Common 

 presently to those who can live so far. But 

 there is a lady's horse down, struggling with 

 vain efforts in the peaty mire. And there's 

 another ! How that man on the right in the 

 white garments shot off, to be sure ! Here's 

 the Lynton Road, thank goodness, and the face 

 and voice of John Tarr, with second horses. 

 On again now with four fresh springs and a 

 new pair of bellows, leaving Brendon Two Gates 

 far behind, Down the long descending slope 

 of Brendon Common, gaining on hounds at 

 every stride, through a miry gateway, and still 

 downwards at full gallop over Hoccombe Hill 



