210 STAGHUNTING WITH THE 



that all was ready. With great consideration 

 for the field, he returned to the trysting-place 

 itself, and blew there several long-drawn blasts, 

 summoning from the carriages all whom it might 

 concern, and who wished to see if, this day, a 

 stag must die. 



Then from their kennel the great hounds 

 came trooping out into the sunshine, and moved 

 up the long stony lane which leads from 

 Cloutsham to Exford, the usual crowding being 

 much relieved by the major portion of the field 

 having scampered away beforehand to view the 

 stag breaking covert. High up on Lankcombe 

 Head a dense line of horsemen was awaiting 

 the advent of the eager pack, themselves all 

 ready for the coming pursuit across the moor. 

 Not hurrying his trusty pack, but at a steady 

 pace suited to the tender age of the young 

 entries and the time of year, the master brought 

 his charges to Anthony, and the first run of the 

 legitimate season began within a few minutes 

 of half-past twelve. 



Avoiding with care the line of two other 

 stags that had broken covert much in the same 

 direction, Anthony brought his hounds to the 

 foil, and then, with a cool life-giving westerly 

 breeze fanning cheek and muzzle and flank, 

 horse and hound sprang forward over the grassy 

 luxuriance of the billowy plains and combes 

 which stretch around for miles upon miles from 



