_Host_ (_to Perks, an indifferent horseman, who has come down for the
hunting_). "Now, look here, Perks, old chap, as you're a light weight,
I'll get you to ride this young mare of mine. You see, I want to get her
qualified for our Hunt Cup, and she's not up to my weight, or I'd ride
her myself. Perhaps I'd better tell you she hasn't been ridden to hounds
before, so she's sure to be a bit nervous at first; and mind you steady
her at the jumps, as she's apt to rush them; and I wouldn't take her too
near other people, as she has a nasty temper, and knows how to use her
heels; and, whatever you do, don't let her get you down, or she'll tear
you to pieces. The last man that rode her is in hospital now. But keep
your eye on her, and remember what I've said, and you'll be all right!"
[_Consternation of Perks_
* * * * *
'ARRY ON 'ORSEBACK
Our 'Arry goes 'unting and sings with a will,
"The 'orn of the 'unter is 'eard on the 'ill:"
And oft, when a saddle looks terribly bare,
The 'eels of our 'Arry are seen in the air!
* * * * *
[Illustration: 'W. STANDS FOR WIRE'
"Hulloah, Jarge! Been puttin' up some wire to keep the fox-hunter away?"
"Noa, I b'ain't put up no wire; but the 'unt they sends me a lot o' them
boards with 'W' on um, so I just stuck 'em up all round the land, and
they never comes nigh o' me now!"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: THE HUNTING SEASON
_Rector._ "Is that the parcels post, James? He's early this morning,
isn't he?" (_Noise without, baying of dogs, &c._) "What's all this----"
_James_ (_excited_). "Yes, sir. Postman says as how the young 'ounds, a
comin' back from cubbin', found 'im near the kennels, and runned 'im all
the way 'ere. They was close on 'im when he got in! Thinks it was a
packet o' red 'errins in the bag, sir! I see the run from the pantry
window"--(_with enthusiasm_)--"a beautiful ten minutes' bu'st, sir!"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: "Duck, you fool! Duck!"]
* * * * *