HUNTINGCROP HALL 281 



seemed to appeal to the animal's feelings, and to be 

 successful. 



He danced a good deal when I was once more 

 on his l)ack, and seemed to like «oin2: in a series of 

 small bounds, which were peculiarly irritating to 

 sit. But I did not so much mind now, for no 

 critical eye was near to watch my hand wandering 

 to tlie convenient pommel, or to note my taking 

 such other little precautions as the exigencies of 

 the situation, and the necessity for carrying out the 

 first law of nature, seemed to suggest. 



Hunting, in this way, wasn't really so very bad. 

 There did not appear to be so very much danger, 

 the morning air was refreshing and pleasant, and 

 the country looked bright. There always seemed 

 to be a gate to each field, which, though trouble- 

 some to open at first, ultimately yielded to patience 

 and perseverance and the handle of my whip. I 

 might get home safely after all ; and as for my 

 desertion, where everyone was looking after him- 

 self, it was scarcely likely they could have observed 

 my defection. No ; this was not altogether bad 

 fun. I could say with truth for the rest of my 

 life that I " had hunted." It would add a zest to 

 the perusal of sporting literature, and, above all, 

 extend the range of my charity by making me 

 sincerely appreciate men who really rode. 



