“Vastly, immeasurably!”
“What's hup, sir?” he exclaimed, in some concern now.
“I have made a little bet with Mr. Lumme,” I answered in a serious voice, “a small wager that I shall be the first to catch the fox. If you can make a suggestion that may help me to win, I shall be happy to listen to it.”
“Catch the fox, sir?” he repeated, thoughtfully, scratching his head. “Well, sir, it seems to me there's nothin' for it but starting hoff first and not lettin' 'im catch you up. I 'aven't 'unted myself, sir, but I've 'eard tell as 'ow a sharp gent sometimes spots the fox afore any of the hothers. That's 'ow to do it, in my opinion.”
I thought this over and the scheme seemed excellent.
“We shall arrange it thus,” I said: “You will mount one horse and I the other. We shall ride together and look for the fox.”
Conceive of my servant's delight. I do not believe that if I had offered him a hundred pounds he would have felt so much joy.
I dressed myself with the most scrupulous accuracy, for I was resolved that nothing about me should suggest the novice. My pink coat fitted to within half a little wrinkle in an inconspicuous place, my breeches were a miracle of sartorial art, the reflection from my top-boots perceptibly lightened the room. No one at the breakfast-table cut more dash. I had secured a seat beside Miss Trevor-Hudson and we jested together with a friendliness that must have disturbed Lumme, for he watched us furtively, with a dark look on his face, and never addressed a word to a soul all the time.
“I shall expect you to give me a lead to-day,” she said to me.
“Are you well mounted?” I asked.