THE PACK BROUGHT TO ORDER 175 



When the stable door was opened the pack limped 

 away in doleful plight. 



** There, sir," exclaimed Jem, as he wiped the per- 

 spiration streaming down his face, " I'll forgive that lot, 

 Fencer and Jumper too, if ever they looks a goat again 

 in the face, or any other animal as I bids 'em not look 

 at. But lor ! Master, what's the matter wi' ye ? Ye 

 be the colour of mahogany." 



" Dip in the pool, Jem, that's all. So now let us be 

 off, for I want drying. But I fear you have been too 

 severe upon those poor devils ! " pitying their maimed 

 condition. 



" I han't, begging your pardon, sir ; 'twere just a 

 trial between us who's to be master ; and as I think that 

 little matter is now settled to their entire satisfaction. 

 We shan't have no more bother about chopping old 

 women's cats, nor running arter sheep-dogs nor nanny- 

 goats." 



The old Squire pulled out a sovereign and handed 

 it to the farmer's daughter, who was crying about her 

 pet goat, Jem exclaiming, " There, Miss, don't ye fret 

 no more ; she ain't much damaged, 'cept about the tail, 

 and a little salt and water will set it all straight again." 



The runaway horse having been caught, Mr. Styles 

 brought out a large jug of ale, which Jem and he soon 

 dispatched between them ; and the discomfited pack, 

 being collected from outhouses and straw heaps by 

 sound of horn, limped off considerably the worse for 

 that morning's excursion. The Squire slept soundly 

 that night, notwithstanding his ducking, and so did 

 the hounds ; and from that day Jem's rate was sufficient 

 to keep them in good order until cub-hunting commenced. 



The outbreaks of this pack may be taken as a sample 



