My First Woodcock. 107 



a more unlikely-looking customer for the job 

 I never saw. In height he was about five feet 

 nine, thin, with high cheek-bones and small 

 mutton-chop whiskers ; his dress consisted of 

 a blue tail-coat with brass buttons, shortish 

 trousers, low shoes, and dark grey or black 

 stockings ; and all the time I knew Lewis I 

 never saw him in any other costume. Come 

 home as late at night as we might, and 

 drenched to the skin, there was Lewis the next 

 morning clean and fresh . in the very same 

 garments. He was a tailor by trade, but dearly 

 loved sport, and whenever he could get a 

 chance to go out as beater the tailoring might 

 go to old Nick. Lewis said he could show us 

 plenty of cocks, and having arranged terms 

 with him, we gave him a parting glass and 

 distnissed him for the night, arranging to 

 start by nine o'clock the following morning. 

 We were greatly impressed with Lewis's report 

 and confidence, and went to bed to dream of 

 woodcocks accordingly. 



We were up early enough, the reader may 

 rely, made a good breakfast, and sallied forth ; 

 but what was our surprise to find two stout 

 hill ponies in charge of a boy, a brace of 



