“Thank you,” said Mr. Fortescue, taking the brush and handing it to Rawlings. “Here is something for you”—tipping the huntsman a sovereign, which he put in his pocket with a “Thank you kindly, sir,” and a gratified smile.
And then flasks were uncorked, sandwich-cases opened, cigars lighted, and the conversation becoming general, I had no other opportunity—at that time—of making further inquiry of Mr. Fortescue touching the singular episode in his career which he had just mentioned. A few minutes later a move was made for our own country, and as we were jogging along I found myself near Jim Rawlings.
“That’s a fresh hoss you’ve got, I think, sir,” he said.
“Yes, I have ridden him two or three times with the harriers; but this is the first time I have had him out with fox-hounds.”
“He carried you very well in the run, sir.”
“You are quite right; he did. Very well.”
“Does he lay hold on you at all, Mr. Bacon?”
“Not a bit.”
“Light in the mouth, a clever jumper, and a free goer.”
“All three.”