A Sportsman at Large 25 



He was about to be relegated to durance vile, loudly pro- 

 testing, when I intervened, and begged that my little pal 

 might be allowed to accompany us if only as an onlooker. 



So it was agreed that if he was kept on a lead and not per- 

 mitted to take any sort of hand in the game, his presence 

 would be tolerated. 



He was handed over much to his disgust and mine to 

 the tender care of the under-keeper Hedges, and then the 

 cavalcade moved off. 



The beat which had been selected as our objective was 

 known to hold three coveys, and three only. The habitat 

 of one of these had been carefully noted, so that Ward was 

 able to take us straight to the pasture, where it was good 

 odds on its being found. 



It was a field of " rowan " (second crop of grass), which 

 afforded very good cover. The keeper confided to us that 

 the covey which lurked thereabouts consisted of twelve units, 

 including the " old birds " " Unless," so he said, " they 

 durned old foxes" had depleted its strength. Sure enough, 

 old Sancho, as soon as he had sniffed the air, began to steady 

 his quarterings, and was soon drawing on the birds. 



Presently he pulled up, stiffened, and became as a dog 

 modelled in bronze. 



I had been placed on the extreme left, with The Dads my 

 next-door neighbour. He was determined that if I was fated 

 to slay anyone it should be his fond parent ; but I had no 

 intention of qualifying as a parricide. 



Gaffer Gill, armed with an antique muzzle-loader, was next 

 in the line, whilst brother Irwin, who " did not half fancy 

 himself " as a shot, was on the right flank. The line 

 advanced. 



Toby, who from the first had bitterly resented the restraining 

 leash, suddenly gave a leap forward, dragging it out of 

 Hedge's hand. He put in an amazing sprint, passed the 

 line of shooters, ignored Sancho's staunch stance, flew past 

 the old dog, and giving vent to a shout of canine exulta- 

 tion, dashed into the covey, which rose, with piercing " cheer- 

 r-r- whits ! " just out of shot. 



Irwin' s remarks were not fit for publication. 



