CHAPTER VI.
A COCK-FIGHT.
A footpath led Taffy past the church, and out at length upon a high road, in face of two tall granite pillars with an iron gate between.
The gate was surmounted with a big iron lantern, and the lantern with a crest--two snakes' heads intertwined.

The gate was shut, but the fence had been broken down on either side, and the gap, through which Taffy passed, was scored with wheel-ruts.

He followed these down an ill-kept road bordered with furze-whins, tamarisks, and clumps of bannel broom.

By-and-by he came to a ragged plantation of stone pines, backed by a hedge of rhododendrons, behind which the hounds were baying in their kennels.

It put him in mind of the "Pilgrim's Progress." He heard the stable clock strike three, and caught a glimpse, over the shrubberies, of its cupola and gilt weather-cock.
And then a turn of the road brought him under the gloomy northern face of the house, with its broad carriage sweep and sunless portico.
Half the windows on this side had been blocked up and painted black, with white streaks down and across to represent framework.
He pulled at an iron bell-chain which dangled by the great door.
The bell clanged far within and a dozen dogs took up the note, yelping in full peal.