BARK BY GOnSK TO TILTOX. 67 



]Mr. Hames dives sturdily tliroiigli tlie next bullfinch ; and 

 so, by friendly offices, the way is made plain and easy — 

 and all we want at present are legs to go faster. The 

 pack, meanwhile, might be going upon wings. Yonder is 

 Baggrave Spinney, and yonder are hounds just disappear- 

 ing into it — while, a full furlong behind, the foremost 

 riders are looking twice at a strong post-and-rail. Second 

 thoughts, however, follow rapidly on second looks — and 

 it is anything but a terrible place after all. The hunts- 

 man cuts at once through the middle ride of the little 

 covert ; several men strain round the lower side ; but 

 those on the upper have a straighter course and a better 

 view. " Are they through ? " " Not yet — but they very 

 soon iviJl he^ if this fox is worth his salt." [Worth his 

 salt, indeed ! He will put your strength to the test, ere 

 he has done with you, gallant gentlemen.) There they 

 go — see those white streaks flashing under the far hedge. 

 Half the pack only — for a fresh fox before their noses has 

 turned the other half from the line. The horn, with its 

 unmistakeable forrard-aicay, catches up many of these 

 stragglers — but, strive as they will, theirs wdll yet be a 

 long stern chase. Already the leading couples are half 

 across the park, ere even the readiest gallopers have 

 slipped on from the covert, and cut the corner-fence 

 opposite the Hall. Again are foot-people shouting ; and 

 again is Keynard turned a hundred yards (the utmost he 

 will diverge through his five-mile course). " Left ! Left ! ! 

 or the park wire will hold you ! " This is a moment when 

 'tis useful to know the country — though more often such 

 knowledge is a snare, a source of shirking, and a fruitful 



