J^A^KS AND DITCHES 



187 



splendid sun, the deer bein^; ultimately taken in Fleet Pond 

 after a great display of aquatics. In this case a deep river 

 with a boggy bottom, a high bank, a mere apology for a ford, 

 and an impetuous horse with a great taste for ' taking off ' on 

 the slightest provocation, suggested a theory as to the run of 

 the deer. Satan in boots and breeches, who is always at hand 

 on these occasions, whispered something about a bridge, jui^t 



The First Whip's Horse subsided with only his Head out of Water 



as Valesman, the first whip's horse, subsided with only his 

 head out of water under our startled eyes. At the head of the 

 divisions of caution which quickly form on such occasions 

 I led the way at a confident pace to the nearest high 

 road. We kept bolstering ourselves up by saying, ' He 

 is hanging our way.' ' This is his line ! ' and no doubt 

 I pressed into our service something about a side wind, 



