CHAPTER VI

LAVERICK WELLS


[Illustration]

The flattering accounts Mr. Sponge read in the papers of the distinguished
company assembled at Laverick Wells, together with details of the princely
magnificence of the wealthy commoner, Mr. Waffles, who appeared to
entertain all the world at dinner after each day's hunting made Mr. Sponge
think it would be a very likely place to suit him. Accordingly, thither he
despatched Mr. Leather with the redoubtable horses by the road, intending
to follow in as many hours by the rail as it took them days to trudge on
foot.

Railways have helped hunting as well as other things, and enables a man to
glide down into the grass 'sheers,' as Mr. Buckram calls them, with as
little trouble, and in as short a time almost, as it took him to accomplish
a meet at Croydon, or at the Magpies at Staines. But to our groom and
horses.

Mr. Sponge was too good a judge to disfigure the horses with the miserable,
pulpy, weather-bleached job-saddles and bridles of 'livery,' but had them
properly turned out with well-made, slightly-worn London ones of his own,
and nice, warm brown woollen rugs, below broadly bound,
blue-and-white-striped sheeting, with richly braided lettering, and blue
and white cordings. A good saddle and bridle makes a difference of ten