He now whipped and jagged the old nag, as if intent on catching the hounds.

Mr.Sponge liberated his whip from the apron-straps, and lent a hand when Jog began to flag.

So they rattled and jingled away at an amended pace.

Still it seemed to Mr.Sponge as if they would never get there.

Having passed through Tollarton, and cleared the village of Stewley, Mr.Sponge strained his eyes in every direction where there was a bit of wood, in hopes of seeing something of the hounds.