The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-04-27
A LIVELY EXPERIENCE.
The Truth About Fox Hunting by
One Who Has Given 1t Up.

"My dear fellow it's most awfully good
of you; awfully kind. But II make it a
rule never to hunt another mans horses
never" sit back in my chair as | say this
to Pudgewood, whose guest | am, and as
sumo a look which ought to convince him
that l am making sacrifice to principle
which causes me profound regret and dis
appointment; but somehow he doesn't
seem to believe it.
Nonsense, Jones!" he says. "I'll give
you the old gray; he's the quetest hunter
l have in the stable. Steady as a house,
and as clever on his legs as cat. defy
you to bring that horse down, sir!' he con
cludes, with an emphatic thump on the din
ner-table.
Now, strictly between ourselves, it had
never occurred to me that there was the
least likelihood of my bringing the horse
down. Well-founded apprehensons lest it
should bring medown prompt my disinclina-
ton to accept Pudgewood's offer; but of
course it isn't necessary to tel him that
] was speaking the truth when told him
that made it a rule never to hunt another
mans horses; ! made that rule long ago.
and, never having hitherto met any one
who tempted me to break it, have
found no difficulty in adhering to it,
When l told Mrs. Jones to accept the
Pudgewoods, invitation to spend week at
their place in Stoneshire, quite forgot that
Anthony PudGeWoood was one OF those few
hunting-men who are generous enough to
mount their friends. Had l remembered
the fact, should have come to Barnsdale
with sprained wrist, or something which
would effectually prevent man attempting
to ride. 1t is quite obvious that Fudge.
wood won't be put off by my plea Of ''prin-
ciple;' so | must try another argument
II don't like refusing your offer, Fudge
wood" l say; land should have enjoyed a
day with the hounds immensely, but have
brought no riding things with me-" That
ought to be conclusive, think. But no.
Pudgewood casts critical eye over nv
figure, and says thoughtfully: my clothes
wouldn't fit you, Pm afraid.-But George
you remember my brother George! left all
his hunting kit here, and he is just the same
build as you are. pll lend you some of his
things"
Every loophole of escape seems to be clos
ing up. l cast an appealing look at my
wife, who is sitting opposite me. She is
clever woman Mrs. Jones, though | say it;
wonderfully ready, and of boundless re-
source. l give her a glance which is in
tended to convey Help me out of i" but
she fails to grasp my meaning, and helps me
little further into it.
when Mr.. Pudgewood is so kind as to
offer you a mount, Algernon. really think
you ought to take it, she says.
"Quite right, Mrs. JONES'" assents Fudge
wood. II shouldn't like your husband to 20
away from Barnsdae without having
gallop with the Stoneshire hounds know
how fond of hunting he Is; he has often told
me of his doings."
Things are growing worse. I'm afraid |
must have given Pudgewood wroag i'm
preston when talked to him about hunt
ing. My experience of the sport of kings
has been that of an onlooker from the seat
of dog-cart l used to enjoy that thor
oughly, particularly the lunchng part of
the days business, when was staying up
in Yorkshire last winter. l have some
times been for ride along the road; but
never rode to hounds in my life, and
ought to have mentioned the fact, which
Pudgewood does not appear to be ac-
quainted with. l wish there weren't so
many people present; l really have not the
courage to explain how l have gained the
knowledge of hunting matters which have
been airing so freely all dinner-time before
such a crowd. 1t would look too foolish.
'T'm desperately afraid that it's going to
freeze tonight" said young gentleman,
drawing aside the window-blind as soon a
the ladies have left the room; Its looking
horribly clear"
Tho remark is received with chorus Of
indignant dissent, in which l join feebly.
Every body has good reason to believe that
it won't freez,; the thermometer has been
rising, and the barometer has been steady
all dav. There's south wind; and links,
the first whip said only yesterday that
there wouldn't be frost again for a fort
night Jinls appears to be an infallibe
authority on The weather, judging from the
manner in which his opinion is quoted and
received. Every body is soothed by the an
nouncement; and we draw in our chairs,
directing scornful glances at the upstart
who took upon himself to look out of TIE
window, and who now relapses into snubbed
silence. breathe an inward prayer tor at
least ten degrees of frost, and try not to
hate the unknown J:nks That is my one
hope now; if it freezes L am saved; if it
doesn't
must confess there is something about
hunting-gear which gives the wearer feel
ing of confidence; and as 1 stand before the
mirror in my dressing-room this morning,
rugged ont in George Pudgewoods buck
skins and top-boots which fit me admirably
IbeGin quite TO look forward to the days