in the direction in which they were coming. Jonathan Griffin[16] took off
his cap to Jorrocks, as he approached, who waved his hand in the most
patronising manner possible, adding "How are you, Jonathan?" "Pretty
well, thank you, Mister Jorrocks, hope you're the same." "No, not the
same, for I'm werry well, which makes all the difference--haw! haw! haw!
You seem to have but a shortish pack, I think--ten, twelve, fourteen
couple--'ow's that? We always take nine and twenty with the Surrey".
"Why, you see, Mister Jorrocks, stag-hunting and fox-hunting are very
different. The scent of the deer is very ravishing, and then we have no
drawing for our game. Besides, at this season, there are always bitches
to put back--but we have plenty of hounds for sport.--I suppose we may
be after turning out," added Jonathan, looking at his watch--"it's past
eleven."

[Footnote 16: Poor Jonathan, one of the hardest riders and drinkers of his
day, exists, like his pack, but in the recollection of mankind. He
was long huntsman to the late Lord Derby, who, when he gave up his
staghounds, made Jonathan a present of them, and for two or three
seasons he scratched on in an indifferent sort of way, until the hounds
were sold to go abroad--to Hungary, we believe.]

On hearing this, a gentleman off with his glove and began collecting,
or capping, prior to turning out--it being the rule of the hunt to make
sure of the money before starting, for fear of accidents. "Half a crown,
if you please, sir." "Now I'll take your half a crown." "Mr. Jorrocks,
shall I trouble you for half a crown?" "Oh, surely," said Jorrocks,
pulling out a handful of great five-shilling pieces; "here's for this
gentleman and myself," handing one of them over, "and I shan't even ask
you for discount for ready money." The capping went round, and a goodly
sum was collected. Meanwhile the deer-cart was drawn to the far side of