"Then they're right to stay where they are,"
replied Mr. Morton, who in spite of his diplomacy could not save
himself from being nettled. "They seem to get a very good living
here, and they pay their rent punctually."
On the Saturday morning the hounds met at the "Old Kennels," as the
meet was always called, and here was an excellent opportunity of
showing to Mr. Gotobed one of the great institutions of the
country. It was close to the house and therefore could be reached
without any trouble, and as it was held on Morton's own ground, he
could do more towards making his visitor understand the thing than
might have been possible elsewhere. When the hounds moved the
carriage would be ready to take them about the roads, and show them
as much as could be seen on wheels.
Punctually at eleven John Morton and his American guest were on the
bridge, and Tony Tuppett was already occupying his wonted place,
seated on a strong grey mare that had done a great deal of work,
but would live,--as Tony used to say,--to do a great deal more.
Round him the hounds were clustered,--twenty-three couple in all,--
some seated on their haunches, some standing obediently still,
while a few moved about restlessly, subject to the voices and on
one or two occasions to a gentle administration of thong from the
attendant whips.
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