1871—72.] A BURST IN THE SUNSHINE. 47 



time to see " how the great had fallen." Broken hats and 

 dirty shoulders were unmistakable omens of work for the 

 wonderful Melton hatter (who can restore a squash}'- pulp to a 

 shiny go-to-meeting), and of less remunerative labour to the 

 gentlemen of the bedchamber. 



One thing at least was proved by the short-lived burst — viz., 

 that the present Quorn hounds can race on a scent (and that 

 too, without over-running it at a turn), for they slipped along 

 through the fences at a pace that fairly cut their field to pieces. 

 The fatal check occurred in the middle of a grass enclosure, 

 •and was so sudden and unaccountable that one could only 

 attribute it to some supernatural agency — or a sheep dog. 



If there were curious incidents during the fast part of the run, 

 there was plenty to look at when the slow travelling began and 

 the good citizens of Leicester took a more active part in the 

 fray. Each fence was productive of something impromptu and 

 original, and one performance in particular was charmingly 

 ludicrous. A worthy cit had ventured a-hunting, and his steed 

 was perforce obliged to follow his role and become a hunter 

 forthwith. Strong blackthorn binders (even a foot high) are 

 not often found on a turnpike road, so proved a novelty 

 dangerous alike to man and horse. The latter found his 

 onward career suddenly checked, and lit upon his arched and 

 classic nose. The former rolled over and over before him, then 

 suddenly sprang to his feet like a lamplighter, clapped both 

 hands to his head, and, without casting a single glance behind, 

 scuttled away down the field as if all Pandemonium were let 

 loose at his heels, nor turned to look for his horse till he had 

 put a clear fifty yards between them. 



