'
'Let me off dining with Jaw, and I'll do my best,' replied Jack.
'Done!' screamed his lordship, flourishing his right arm in the air, as he
flew over a great stone wall.
A good many of the horses and sportsmen too had had enough before the
hounds checked; and the quick way Frosty lifted them and hit off the scent,
did not give them much time to recruit. Many of them now sat hat in hand,
mopping, and puffing, and turning their red perspiring faces to the wind.
'Poough,' gasped one, as if he was going to be sick; 'Puff,' went another;
'Oh! but it's 'ot!' exclaimed a third, pulling off his limp neckcloth;
'Wonder if there's any ale hereabouts,' cried a fourth; 'Terrible run!'
observed a fifth; 'Ten miles at least,' gasped another. Meanwhile the
hounds went streaming on; and it is wonderful how soon those who don't
follow are left hopelessly in the rear.
Of the few that did follow, Mr. Sponge, however, was one. Nothing daunted
by the compliments that had been paid him, he got Hercules well in hand;
and the horse dropping again on the bit, resumed his place in front, going
as strong and steadily as ever.
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