“That one is finished,” said Lord Ploversdale gratefully. But as the words were in his mouth, Skytail rose with his horse, vaulted up and was away.
The M. F. H. followed over the fence shouting at Smith to whip off the hounds. But the hounds were going too fast. They had got a view of the fox and three whooping horsemen were behind them driving them on.
The first flight of the field followed the M. F. H. out of the road and so did Mr. Carteret, and presently he found himself riding between Lord Frederic and the Major. They were both a bit winded and had evidently come fast.
“I say,” exclaimed Lord Frederic, “where did you come from?”
“I was cured by the Broncholine,” said Mr. Carteret, “amazing stuff!”
“Is your horse fresh?” asked Lord Frederic.
“Yes,” replied Mr. Carteret, “I happened upon them at the road.”
“Then go after that man Grady,” said Lord Frederic, “and implore him to take those beggars home. They have been riding on hounds for twenty minutes.”
“Were they able,” asked Mr. Carteret, “to stay with their horses at the fences?”
“Stay with their horses!” puffed the Major.