148 STAGHUNTING WITH THE 



big stag from his stronghold in Cockercombe 

 towards Seven Wells. Some two couple and a 

 half stuck to the smaller deer, which w^ould 

 have been warrantable enough had no better 

 been present, and he was soon to be seen 

 mounting the open hillside with thoughts intent 

 on Bagborough. No sooner had he gained the 

 open, however, than he was fairly headed back 

 into covert bv pedestrians. This bit of bad luck 

 did not interfere with the day's sport, for the 

 big stag was being steadily hunted away through 

 Great Wood till he came dow^n to the water in 

 a rushy meadow low down in Seven Wells. 

 Here he stood at bay for a while with one 

 hound facing him, but on more coming up, the 

 tuneful sound of the bay was exchanged for an 

 eager velping chase up the length of Ashley 

 Combe. Mr. Grandheld was in his usual 

 position near Govett's Copse, and obtained a 

 good view of the stag as he galloped up to the 

 Stowey Road, pointing for the Camel and his 

 Driver, while Colonel Hornbv followed his 

 movements from the distance of Lord's Ball. 

 No sooner had the latter obtained a glimpse of 

 the magnihcent spread of his antlers against the 

 skyline than he set off wnth all speed towards 

 Quantock Farm to liberate the pack, blowing 

 loudlv as he went. Anthony meanwhile was 

 diligently hunting the smaller stag, wiiich by 

 the w^ay carried two long tines on either top, 



