102 



THE CREAM OF LEICESTERSHIRE. [Season 1872—73. 



with a clear gangway ; and so it fell out that the two Messrs. 

 Chaplin, and afterwards the huntsman and Mr. Pryor, rode 

 back with the hounds to Owston Village — the two journeys 

 averaging some fifteen to twenty minutes each. West's horse 

 was now so beat he could give little assistance to the pack, 

 and their fox gained Owston Wood in safety after they checked 

 at the village. 



A little incident on the wa}' home — Fallen Nimrod with 

 muddy shoulders and a long bloody spur-mark up his horse's 

 ribs. To him loquitur Rustic, " You've staked j^our horse, 

 master ? " Nimrod, Avitli unwilling waggery', " No, that's 

 where I've been holding on with the spurs." " Be it now ? 

 Well, by the look o' your coat, I reckon you'll want two pair 

 next time ! " from which it may be gathered that Paisticus 

 decidedly scored. 



