"I wonder what Warren will think when he sees me on him?" thought Ulick. "I expect she will merely explain that she lent him to Eli, and not mention my name."
He looked forward eagerly to riding his old favourite at a meet of the Rushshire hounds again, and yet he had strange misgivings when he was dressing, that something was about to happen which would change the whole course of his life. He had no inkling as to what it was, but the impression was there, and he could not get rid of it. He said nothing to Eli, and was as cheerful as usual at breakfast, and when he mounted Random he almost wished the day was over. He rode towards Helton, and met several people on horseback going to Hazelwell. Some of them recognised him, others he fancied did so but avoided looking in his direction.
James Bard, the veterinary surgeon, gave him a hearty welcome, and insisted on riding back with him to his house in the village.
"I am right glad to see you again," he said, briskly. "You have been away from us so long. I hope you have returned to stay."
"Not yet," replied Ulick. "I have not been to Hazelwell; I am going to join them as they pass through the village; they are sure to draw Brecon Wood first."
"Then I remain with you," said James Bard.
"You must go to Hazelwell; my father will miss you at the breakfast, and will be angry."
"Not when he learns why I remained away," replied Bard.
They rode together to James Bard's house, and remained there until the hounds came in sight. They stood at the window and watched them pass, and there was a large muster at the meet, the Hazelwell hunt breakfast always drawing a big crowd.
"It will be comparatively easy to remain unrecognised amongst that lot," said Ulick. "I did not see my father."