Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-05-21
GaIes ann Sketrtes.
M ONLY DAYS HUNTING.

Please sir, are these for you
1t, was my man who spoke, and as h
did 50, he held up for inspection an i'm
maculafe pair of ''tops'' in one hand and ;
pair of painfully new brooches in the othel
while his countenance wore an express
ion of mingled fear and establishment.
With an inward sinking at nv heart
turned from my morning paper and cut
let. and having nodded gloomy Assem-
to his query, That will do, James lay
them on the sofa
The above conversation took place II
my bachelor apartments in the Albany
and the reason for the appearance therein
Of the Aforesaid tops and brooches am
about to explain. ! am not a hunting
man. ! never could see any joke in bump
ing about on hard piece of q pigskin in
pursuit OF draggled piece Of vermin
called a fox, although some people say
the fox ENJOYS the fun. 1t is all very well
for those who like it; and Mr.. Jorricks
of immortal memory, may call hunting
1.-THE sport Of things-the image OF wal
without its guilt and only % per cent Of its
DANGER" if ne likes, but ! confess can I
see It in that light. 1t was with feelings
the reverse OF pleasant, therefore, that
Sir Harry Bullfnch to STAY a week at his
"box" in Warwickshire, and avail myself
Of his hospitality and mount with the
renowned pack which hunted that country.
! was urged to this acceptance Of what in
my saner moments | should have indig-
nanfly treated as practical joke by a
sli. h tack OF the master passion. ! met
Sir Harry and his daughter Kate in Lon
don, during the past season. We had fire.
quently met at various balls and enter
tainments. and on several occasions had
enjoyed the balmy fragrance OF Bushy
park and the still delights Of boat on
the upper reaches Of the Thames, but
with my natural tmidity had never ven
tured to ask the question which was tor
ever on my tongue, but never got farther.
The invitation appeared TO hold out prom
ises OF quiet teie-a-tetes. so | electrified my
tailor and bootmaker with orders for the
necessary ''togs" with which to carry on
the campaign.
remember having somewhere heard
read that in order to acquire an easy and
graceful seat on horseback, sitting astride
on chair and holding on by the back
was excellent practice. so, having called
James and given him most express in
structions 20 deny me even to my most
intimate friends. I proceeded to struggle
into perhaps the tightcst pair Of cords that
were ever made for mortal man, and,
with the ail Of brandy and soda and a
couple Of boot hooks. to pull on a pair of
boots which nearly gave me a fit OF apop
lexy and made my corns burn tor hours.
Armed with a cutting whip. then mount.
ed'astride the strongest chair in the apart
ment. and continued the exhilarating ex-
ercise with the firmness of a stole and
martyr. and with only one interval for
luncheon. throughout the entire day.
sly train left the Great Northern station
ijration. In due course | found myself
comfortably stretched under Sir Harry's
mahogany.
II suppose our dull country pack will
seem quite n second rate to you." said
Kate.
was murmuring something in reply,
when Sir Harry cut in with:
"Ah I've got n splendid mount for you
tomorrow. my boy! A trihe playful.
pcrhaps-hasnt been hunted yet this sea-
son. but will carry you like bird"
''Oh. yes" laid Kate, Gar is such
nice creature"
"Indeedr' said |. Il am reioiced to
hear it. OF course you accompany us to
the meetp"
Yes" she replied. land papa has said
that rs you are going out might even
follow the hounds n little way. You'll
look after me. won't you. Mr.. DE Boots ?"
promised to do my devoirs. but in my
heart OF hearts thought | should require
some one to look after me-
The following morning at breakfast.
which was early on account of our having
to go some distance 10 the meet, the
horses were brought round-a sturdy.
thick set. quict-looking weight carrier.
eat-looking gray mare. aud n bright.
fdgety chestnut. The latter gave his at
tcndant groom some trouble. and insisted
on waltzing around on his hind legs a
be necessary.
81 am afraid your papa will find that
animal rather troublesome" | remarked
to Kate.
That" she answered. "oh. that's not
the one YOU are going to
NV appetite left me. and as | rose and
walked. in as uuconcerned manner as |
could assume. to the window. saw that
the Gar had reversed the order OF things
by putting his head between his fore legs
and lashing out with his heels in very
vicious looking and anything but play
full manner.
A general move was now made to the
front door. Kate looked at me and evil
IDENTIFY expected me to put her up"
but knew better than to attempt it, and
pretended to be intent on buckliug a strap
OF the pair of spurs Sir Harry had lent
me until she was safe in the saddle. Car
was then brought up for me to mount.
which. after several abortive attempts on
my part. effected, and we all logged on
towards the meet. Contrary to my ex-
pectatior Car behaved in most ex-
smplary manner. and even ven,ured to
swing my whip with a iaunty air without
his taking the slightest notice. But it was
too good TO last. Presently red cost
popped out on us from by-lane. and the
Cars ears began to twitch. Two or
three more horsemen overlook us. and his
tail began TO describe circles. and he pro-
ceeded ON his way with crab-like move
ment, which was anything but elegant
and eminently discerning.
Almost before | could realize the po-
sition. y stern voice shouted, Now. Won