32 STAG-HUNTING ON EXMOOR. 



same sum between them. The labourers or footmen 

 chuckle over their sixpences and shillings, and vow to 

 drink long life to Sir Thomas and stag-hunting. And 

 now Courtenay Walrond rides back proudly to PIxton 

 with Sir Thomas, and many another with him. There 

 is welcome for all there, and a good dinner, to which 

 all will do justice — salmon from Exe river, black game 

 from WInsford Hill, wine from the France against 

 which we are now fighting. For is not the news just 

 come that on the ist of last month a single line of 

 English infantry broke through three lines of French 

 cavalry on the glorious field of Minden ? Perhaps the 

 tidings are not yet come ; but we care not for that, for 

 here is the huntsman with the head of our stag ; he 

 stumps in and lowers his forelock to his hand ; then at 

 a sign from Sir Thomas he solemnly puts horn to 

 mouth and blows the mort note amid wild excitement. 

 The quart glass is tied, not without fumbling, in the 

 dead mouth, and filled, not without waste, for Sir 

 Thomas to drink. Is the stag's health the toast? 

 Then drink it each one as the trophy comes to your 

 hand. O Courtenay Walrond, Esquire, I fear that 

 you were not very clear as to whose health you were 

 drinking ; such a meal as this after a twelve hours' 

 ride, a gallant run, and Sir Thomas's present of a 



