THE NIGHT-HUNT IN RECESS. 17 
narely time to commence their first snooze, having taken it 
for granted that we are where dutiful and obedient sons should 
be at such an hour—in the land of Nod—when by sundry 
silent exhibitions of our skill at escalading, we have made our 
escape from the sacred precincts of authority, and are off to 
Sambo’s Quarter, footing it with a fluttering heart beneath 
the uncertain starlight. 
Now as we had been prohibited from joining in “ night- 
hunts,” first, on the ground that they injured our health, and 
secondly, on the ground that they were dangerous, and third 
and lastly, on the ground that it was highly undignified that 
young gentlemen “to the manor born,” and just from college, 
too, should go out hunting with “the servants :” we of course, 
with the heavy portent of all these formidable indictments 
hanging over us, felt that discovery would be attended with 
just the requisite amount of danger to give piquancy to the 
commencement of an enterprise. 
If our pulse was quickened, our heels were not less so by 
such considerations. We were sinning on the strength of our | 
instincts, and we knew it! We pause at the several cross- 
paths on the way, to wait for the other young recusants who 
were to joinus. One after another they come in, each usually 
attended by a favorite servant not far from his own age, who 
has been admitted to his confidence. Joyously enough we 
begin to gabble as the distance between us and the awful 
shadows of the “ Big House” is increased. Soon the 
««_____Long leveled rule of streaming light,” 
for a sight of which the bewitched lady in Comus prayed, 
“visits” us, and as we approach, the one ruddy “level” 
divides itself into many a narrow fitful stream from the open 
doors and glowing hearths of the “ Quarter !”’ 
The crossing of shadows to and fro shows that all there 1s 
alert. We hear the subdued too-oot of a horn, and the low 
opening howl of the gathering dogs in answer. We begix to 
