Being both of us light-weights, we could mount ourselves cheaply; the average cost of our stud of four horses did not exceed forty pounds apiece.

Moreover, when opportunities offered, we did not disdain to turn an honest penny by buying an animal cheap and selling him dear, and as I looked after things myself, bought my own forage, and saw that I had full measure, our stable expenses were kept within moderate limits.

Except when the weather was bad, or a horse _hors de combat_, I generally contrived to get four days' hunting a week--three with the fox-hounds and one with Mr.Vigne's harriers--for, owing to his professional engagements, Alston could not go out as often as I did.

But as I took all the trouble and responsibility, it was only fair that I should have the lion's share of the riding.
At the end of the season we either sold the horses off or turned them into a straw-yard, and I went to sea as ship's surgeon.

In this capacity I made voyages to Australia, to the Cape, and to the West Indies; and the summer before I first saw Mr.Fortescue I had been to the Arctic Ocean in a whaler.