70 In Scarlet and Silk 



the "harbourer" and the Master trots away 

 in one direction, whilst the whip gallops off 

 in another. After a long wait we hear that 

 a stag has crossed Badgworthy, and has 

 gone away over Brendon. The pack is 

 hastily unkennelled, and laid on. Scent is 

 had at first, and the great, solemn-looking 

 25-inch hounds can only puzzle out the line 

 slowly. Then, as they go over Badgworthy 

 Hill, the pace improves, and they run sharply 

 down over the heather to Farley Water. 

 Over Cheriton Ridge, they go by Hoar Oak 

 and the Chains, across Lynton Common. All 

 this time horses are on good, sound ground, 

 and can gallop on clean and hard " going," 

 As they cross the West Lynn, hounds are 

 travelling at best pace and heading for Wood- 

 barrow. The aspect of the chase then quickly 

 undergoes an entire change, for whereas be- 

 forehand we could gallop freely, we are now 

 reduced to scrambling through mire and dirt, 

 almost hock deep, and have to follow one 

 another like a flock of sheep. Woe be, now, 

 to the budding hero who would try a short 



