AMATEURS AND HUNTSMEN 99 



promptly and properly did, while the field drew rein in 

 amazement and amusement. The first to recover himself 

 was the huntsman — himself no chicken, either in years 

 or heart. "Let me come!" he exclaimed, every feature 

 aglow with merriment as he turned the grey mare for 

 a run : " I'll not be beat by them boys I " (for in moments 

 of excitement the idioms of the Shire ever crop up un- 

 bidden with all who pride themselves on being product 

 of a grazing country). What would have follow-ed I 

 cannot say, except that Goodall would assuredly have got 

 over, and that some of us, in our stubborn pride, would 

 undoubtedly have come down. But a marplot turned up 

 in the person of one who hitherto has invariably been 

 found ready to tackle any big place he may deem requisite. 

 On this occasion he was already on his legs, unchaining the 

 gate. The sport was spoiled, and the fun was finished. 



It is almost time I told you what the day contained 

 as regards hunting. The best event had its origin from 

 Harpole Hill, a small plantation overlooking the valley 

 towards Weedon. Ten minutes, fast, to ground, were fol- 

 lowed by an hour and a quarter's run, through Nobottle 

 Wood and into the lower country of Brington, Brockhall, 

 and Whilton. Near the last-named village, it is con- 

 jectured, they left their run fox dead-beat, while they 

 pursued a fresh one in a circle by Brockhall, but came 

 right upon their run fox as they circled back, and killed 

 him without difficulty. 



There are gouty legs in some stables to-day, I warrant. 

 March is especially the month during which the old maxim 

 holds good — " Never go into the stable to-day of the horse 

 you were hunting yesterday !" 



On Saturday next was there not the ever-amusing 

 little brook ? And, if I remember right, to-day was to 

 have constituted the commencement of a young journal. 

 It had been urged that each and every hunting-man ought 

 to keep a diary, at least noting the day's sport, the horse 

 ridden, &c., with a few plain remarks for future reference. 

 The graduate in question had fully agreed, had bought 

 his diary, and even made preliminary entry when giving 

 orders overnight to his groom — " Meet Daventry. Rode 



