THE FATE OF MISS SilAllP's ANGOLA CAT. 239 



" rii do something with them, sir, before the 

 clay's out," repHecl Jem, as he fetched the ring- 

 leader. Hotspur, clean off his legs with a wipe of 

 his heavy thong. 



In passing through the village a cat crossed the 

 road, and off w^ent the pack full cry, running into 

 her up against an old lady's door. 



" Hang those brutes, Jem, what will they do 

 next ?" exclaimed the master. 



*' That's Miss Sharp's favourite Angola cat — 

 she wouldn't have taken ten guineas for her. 

 Better trot on, sir, pretty briskly," said Jem 

 coolly, " or we shall have all the old women in 

 the village about om- ears." 



Before leaving it, however, they chopped another 

 pussy, who was fool enough to set her bristles 

 up in defiance of these dare-devils. The Squire 

 breathed more freely as they got out into the 

 country; when, passing by a sheep-fold, out 

 sprang the shepherd's dog, just to have a look 

 at the passers-by. Finding so numerous a com- 

 pany, Shag dropped his tail between his legs, 

 and moved off with his back up, showing his 

 teeth. Foreman, seeing his attempt to retreat in 

 fighting order, just gave a snap at his rear, which 

 Towler seconding w^ith another tug and a yell, 

 Shag bolted without further notice, and took 



