And he understood hunting, not only as a huntsman understands it,--in that branch of the science which refers simply to the judicious pursuit of the fox, being probably inferior to his own huntsman in that respect,--but he knew exactly what men should do, and what they should not.

In regard to all those various interests with which he was brought in contact, he knew when to hold fast to his own claims, and when to make no claims at all.

He was afraid of no one, but he was possessed of a sense of justice which induced him to acknowledge the rights of those around him.

When he found that the earths were not stopped in Trumpeton Wood,--from which he judged that the keeper would complain that the hounds would not or could not kill any of the cubs found there,--he wrote in very round terms to the Duke who owned it.

If His Grace did not want to have the wood drawn, let him say so.