32 THE CREAM OF LEICESTERSHIRE. [Season 



in carrying a scent ; no country can boast of sounder tui-f or 

 sweeter fences coming thick and frequent ; and like a dying 

 evidence of its powers was the run of this afternoon. 'Twas 

 but a doubtful whimper that at first proclaimed a find ; but at 

 the sound of a known and favourite voice the ex-master * was 

 seen to bristle up like an old hound, his eye to sparkle, and his 



J. U. MUSIEKS, KSti. 



cheery countenance to flush. Not a moment did the fox dwell, 

 but skirting the wood, with the pack crashing close after him, 

 broke out into the open for South Croxton. Within a field of 

 the village he bore up for Baggrave Hall, the pace so terrific 

 that none but those who left the covert with the hounds could 

 ever get on terms with them, and so persistently did the}'^ cling 

 to his brush, that before reaching the Hall he was forced right 

 into the wind as he dipped the hill. After crossing the Bag- 



* Mr. John Chaworth Musters, who on his retirement had lent his fine pack to 

 the Quom Country for this season. 



