"The Squire has been down with the gout," said Bard, "and Dr. Harding has made him rest. I expect he will chafe a good deal at having to remain at home to-day."
Ulick was sorry his father had the gout, yet was glad he was absent from the hunt.
When the party cleared the village, James Bard and Ulick rode after them, in the direction of Brecon Wood.
As they neared the well-known haunt of the best foxes in Rushshire, they heard the hounds making music, and in a few minutes the well-known cry was heard, and they had "gone away" after the fox.
Ulick set Random going, and, followed by James Bard, quickly came in sight of the field. In front, well ahead, the hounds were streaming away over some open pastures, the fox going at a great pace, and the field in straggling order.
"He's got a capital start," said Ulick. "We are in for a good run."
"If it's the 'old dog' we went after last season, he'll make it hot. We shall soon tell, he generally doubles round and makes for Hazelwell Coppice at the other side of Glen church."
"Sixteen miles if it's a yard," said Ulick.
"And good going all the way, but there are some stiff fences, and we shall have to face the Tone river."
"Swim it or leap it?" laughed Ulick.