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Kipling_ThyServantaDog.txt
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Kipling_ThyServantaDog.txt
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'Thy Servant a Dog'
Rudyard Kipling
CONTENTS:
'Thy Servant a Dog'
The Great Play Hunt
Toby Dog
The Supplication of the Black Aberdeen
A Sea Dog
His Apologies
'Teem': a Treasure-Hunter
* * * * *
'THY SERVANT A DOG'
PLEASE may I come in? I am Boots. I am son of Kildonan Brogue--
Champion Reserve--V.H.C.--very fine dog; and no-dash-parlour-tricks,
Master says, except I can sit-up, and put paws over nose. It is called
'Making Beseech.' Look! I do it out of own head. Not for telling...
This is Flat-in-Town. I live here with Own God. I tell:
I
There is walk-in-Park-on-lead. There is off-lead-when-we-come-to-the-
grass. There is 'nother dog, like me, off-lead. I say: 'Name?' He
says: 'Slippers.' He says: 'Name?' I say: 'Boots.' He says: 'I am fine
dog. I have Own God called Miss.' I say: 'I am very-fine dog. I have
Own God called Master.' There is walk-round-on-toes. There is Scrap.
There is Proper Whacking. Master says 'Sorry! Awfully sorry! All my
fault.' Slippers's Miss says: 'Sorry! My fault too.' Master says: 'So
glad it is both our faults. Nice little dog, Slippers.' Slippers's
Miss says 'Do you really think so?' Then I made 'Beseech.' Slippers's
Miss says: 'Darling little dog, Boots.' There is on-lead, again, and
walking with Slippers behind both Own Gods, long times...
Slippers is not-half-bad dog. Very like me. 'Make-fine-pair, Master
says...There is more walkings in Park. There is Slippers and his
Miss in that place, too. Own Gods walk together--like on-lead. We walk
behind. We are tired. We yawn. Own Gods do not look. Own Gods do not
hear...They have put white bows on our collars. We do not like.
We have pulled off. They are bad to eat...
II
Now we live at Place-in-Country, next to Park, and plenty good smells.
We are all here. Please look! I count paws. There is me, and own God-
Master. There is Slippers, and Slippers's Own God-Missus. That is all
my paws. There is Adar. There is Cookey. There is James-with-Kennel-
that-Moves. There is Harry-with-Spade. That is all Slippers's paws. I
cannot count more; but there is Maids, and Odd-man, and Postey, and
Telegrams, and Pleasm-butcher and People. And there is Kitchen Cat
which runs up Wall. Bad! Bad! Bad!
At morning-time Adar unties and brushes. There is going quick upstairs
past Cookey and asking Gods to come to brekker. There is lie-down-
under-the-table-at-each-end, and heads-on-feets of Gods. Sometimes
there is things-gived-under-table. But 'must never beg.'
After brekker, there is hunting Kitchen Cat all over garden to Wall.
She climbs. We sit under and sing. There is waiting for Gods going
walks. If it is nothing-on-their-tops, it is only round the garden,
and 'get-off-the-flower-bedsyou-two!' If it is wet, it is hearth-rugs
by fire, or 'who-said-you-could-sit-on-chairs-Little-Men?' It is
always being-with Own Gods--Own Master and Own Missus. We are most
fine dogs...There is Tall far-off dog, which comes through
laurels, and looks. We have found him by own dust-bin. We said: 'Come
back, and play!' But he wented off. His legs are all bendy. And wavy
ears. But bigger than Me!
III
AUGUST 1923
Please sit up! I will tell you by Times and Long Times--each time at a
time. I tell good things and dretful things.
Beginning of Times. There was walk with Own Gods, and 'basket-of-
things-to-eat-when-wesit-down--piggies.' It were long walks. We ate
lots. After, there was rabbits which would not stay. We hunted. We
heard sorrowful singing in woods. We went look-see. There was that
far-off Tall dog, singing to hole in bank. He said: 'I have been here
dretful long whiles, and I do not know where here is.' We said 'Follow
tails!' He followed back to Own Gods. Missus said: 'Oh, you poor big
baby!' Master said: 'What on earth is Kent's puppy doing here?' Tall
dog went on tum plenty, and said small. There was 'give-him-what's-
left.' He kissed hands. We all wented home across fields. He said he
were playing with washing-on-line, which waved like tails. He said
little old dog with black teeth came, and said he would make him grow-
into-a-hound, if he went with. So he wented with, and found beautiful
Smell. Old dog said him to put his dash-nose-upon-the-ground and
puzzle. He puzzled long ways with old dog. There was field full of
'ware-sheep and beautiful Smell stopped. Old dog was angry and said
him to cast-forward. But Peoples came saying loud. He ran into woods.
Old dog said if he waited long enough there he would grow-into-a-
hound, and it would do-him-good to have to find his way home, because
he would have to do it most of his life if he was so-dash-stoopid-as-
all-that. Old dog went away and Tall dog waited for more beautiful
Smell, and it was night-times, and he did not know where home was, and
he singed what we heard. He were very sorry. He is quite new dog. He
says he is called 'DamPuppy.' After long whiles there was smells which
he knew. So he went through hedge and ran to his home. He said he was
in-for-Proper-Whacking.
One Time after That. Kitchen Cat sits on Wall. We sing. She says: 'Own
Gods are going away.' Slippers says: 'They come back at Biscuit-time.'
Kitchen Cat says: 'This time they will go and never come back.'
Slippers says: 'That is not real rat.' Kitchen Cat says: 'Go to top of
House, and see what Adar is doing with kennels-that-shut.'
We go to top of House. There is Adar and kennels-that-shut. She fills
with things off Gods' feets and tops and middles. We go downstairs. We
do not understand...
Kitchen Cat sits on Wall and says: 'Now you have seen that Own Gods
are going. Wait till kennels-that-shut are put behind kennel-that-
moves, and Own Gods get in. Then you will know.' Slippers says: 'How
do you know where that rat will run?' Kitchen Cat says 'Because I am
Cat. You are Dog. When you have done things, you ask Own Gods if it is
Whack or Pat. You crawl on turn. You say "Please, I will be good."
What will you do when Own Gods go and never come back?' Slippers said:
'I will bite you when I catch you.' Kitchen Cat said: 'Grow legs!'
She ran down Wall and went to Kitchen. We came after. There was Cookey
and broom. Kitchen Cat sat in window and said: 'Look at this Cookey.
Sometimes this is thick Cookey; sometimes this is thin Cookey. But it
is always my Cookey. I am never Cookey's Cat. But you must always have
Own Gods with. Else you go bad. What will you do when Own Gods go
away?' We were not comfy. We went inside House. We asked Own Gods not
to go away and never come back. They did not understand...
IV
Time After. Own Gods have gone away in kennel-that-moves, with
kennels-that-shut behind! Kennel came back at Biscuit-time, but no
Gods. We went over House looking. Kitchen Cat said: 'Now you see!' We
went to look everywhere. There was nothing...There is Peoples
called Carpenters come. They are making a little House inside Big
House. There is Postey talking to Adar. There is Pleasm-butcher
talking to Cookey. There is everybody talking. Everybody says: 'Poor
little chaps.' And goes away.
Some more Time. This night-time, Shiny Plate shined into our kennels,
and made sing. We sang: 'When will Own Gods come back?' Adar looked
out from high-up-above, and said 'Stop that, or I'll come down to
you.' We were quiet, but Shiny Plate shined more. We singed 'We will
be good when the Gods come back.' Adar came down. There was Whackings.
We are poor little small dogs. We live in Outside Places. Nobody cares
for.
V
Other more times. I have met that Tall far-off dog with large feet. He
is not called 'DamPuppy.' He is called Ravager-son-of-Regan. He has no
Own God because he will pass-the-bottle-round-and-grow-into-a-Hound.
He lives across Park, at Walk, with dretful Peoples called Mister-
Kent. I have wented to Walk. There were fine smells and pig-pups, and
a bucket full of old things. Ravager said: 'Eat hearty!' He is nice
dog. I ate lots. Ravager put his head through handle of bucket. It
would not go away from him. He went back-first, singing. He sang: 'I
am afraid.' Peoples came running. I went away. I wented into dark
place called Dairy. There was butters and creams. People came. I went
out of a little window. I sicked-up two times before I could run
quick. I went to own kennel and lay down. That Peoples called Mister-
Kent came afterwards. He said to Adar 'That little black beast is dam-
thief.' Adar said 'Nonsense! He is asleep.' Slippers came and said:
'Come and play Rats.' I said: 'Go to Walk and play with Ravager.'
Slippers wented. People thought Slippers was me. Slippers came home
quick. I am very fine dog--but Master has not come back!
VI
After that Time. I am Bad Dog. I am Very Bad Dog. I am 'G'way-you-
dirty-little-devil!' I found a Badness on the road. I liked it! I
rolled in it! It were nice! I came home. There was Cookey and Adar.
There was 'Don't;-you-come-anigh-me.' There was James-with-kennel-
that-moves. There was: 'Come 'ere, you young pole-cat!' He picked up,
and washed with soap, and sticky water out of kennel-that-moves rubbed
into all my hairs. There was tieup. I smelled very bad to myself.
Kitchen Cat came. I said: 'G'way! I am Filfy Bad Dog! I am Proper
Stink-pot!' Kitchen Cat said 'That is not your own rat. You are bad
because Own Gods do not come back. You are like Peoples who can not be
good without Own Gods to pat.'
VII
Other Fresh Times. Now I am great friend of Ravager. Slippers and me
have wented to hunt Hen at Walk. She were angry Hen-lady with pups.
She bit Slippers, two times, with her nose, under his eye. We all went
one way. There was Pig-lady with pups that way. We went other way.
There was Mister-Kent-Peoples with whack-stick that way. We wented
more ways, quick. We found a fish-head on a heap of nice old things.
There was Ravager. We all went for play. There was cow-pups in field.
They ran after. We went under gate and said. They ran away. W e ran
after till they stopped. They turned round. We went away again. They
ran after. We played a long while. It were fun. Mister-Kent-People and
more Peoples came calling dretful names. We said to Ravager: 'We will
go home.' Ravager said: 'Me too.' He ran across field. We went home by
small ditches. We played Rat-sticks on the lawn.
Cowman Peoples came and said to Adar 'Those two little devils have
been chasing pounds off the calves!'Adar said: 'Be ashamed of
yourself! Look at 'em! Good as gold!' We waited till Peoples were
gone. We asked for sugar. Adar gave. Ravager came through laurels--all
little. He said: 'I have had Proper Whacking. What did you get?' We
said 'Sugar.' He said: 'You are very fine dogs. I am hungry.' I said:
'I will give you my store-bone in the border. Eat hearty.' He digged.
We helped. Harry-with-Spade came. Ravager went through laurels like
Kitchen Cat. We got Proper Whacking and tie-up for digging in borders
...When we are bad, there is Sugar. When we are good, there is
Whack-whack. That is same rat going two wrong ways...
VIII
Harry-with-Spade has brought a Rat...Look, please! Please look!
I am Rrreal Dog! I have killed a Rat. I have slew a Rat! He bit me on
the nose. I bit him again. I bit him till he died. I shookened him
dead! Harry said 'Go-ood boy! 'Born ratter!' I am very-fine-dog-
indeed! Kitchen Cat sat on the Wall and said: 'That is not your own
Rat. You killed it to please a God.' When my legs are grown, I will
kill Kitchen Cat like Rats. Bad! Bad! Bad!
IX
Time soon After. I wented to Walk to tell my friend Ravagerabout my
Rat, and find more things to kill. Ravager said: 'There is 'ware-sheep
for me, and there is 'ware-chicken for me, but there is no 'ware-Bull
for me. Come into Park and play with Bull-in-yard.' We went under
Bull's gate in his yard. Ravager said 'He is too fat to run. Say!' I
said. Bull said. Ravager said. Slippers said. I got under watertrough
and said dretful things. Bull blew with nose. I went out through
fence, and came back through another hole. Ravager said from other
side of yard. Bull spun. He blew. He was too fat. It were fun. We
heard Mister-Kent saying loud. We went home across Park. Ravager says
I am True Sporting Dog, only except because of my little legs.
X
OCTOBER 1923
Bad Times dead. Sit up! Sit up now! I tell! I tell! There has been
washings and Sunday collars. Carpenter Peoples has gone away, and left
new Small House inside Big House. There is very small kennel-that-
rocks inside Small House. Adar showed. We went to James's house. He
were gone away with kennel-that-moves. We went to front-gate. We
heard! We saw! Own Gods--very Own Gods--Master--Missus--came back! We
said. We danced. We rolled. We ran round. We went to tea, heads-on-
feets of Own Gods! There were buttered toasts gived under table, and
two sugars each...
We heard New Peoples talking in Big House. One Peoples said: 'Angh!
Angh!' very small like cat-pups. Other Peoples said: 'Bye-loe! Bye-
loe! 'We asked Own Gods to show. We went upstairs to Small House. Adar
was giving cup-o'-tea to New Peoples, more thick than Adar, which was
called 'Nurse.' There was very-small-talk inside kennel-that-rocks. It
said 'Aie! Aie!' We looked in. Adar held collars. It were very Small
Peoples. It opened its own mouth. But there was no teeth. It waved
paw. I kissed. Slippers kissed. New Thick, which is that Nurse, said:
'Well-Mum-I-never!' Both Own Gods sat down by Smallest Peoples and
said and said and kissed paw. Smallest Peoples said very loud. New
Thick gave biscuit in a bottle. We tail-thumped on floor, but 'not-
for-you-greedies.' We went down to hunt Kitchen Cat. She ran up
apple--tree. We said 'Own Gods have come back, with one Smallest New
Peoples, in smallest-kennel!' Kitchen Cat said: 'That is not Peoples.
That is Own Gods' Very Own Smallest. Now you are only dirty little
dogs. If you say too loud to me or Cookey, you will wake that
Smallest, and there will be Proper Whackings. If you scratch, New
Thick will say: "Fleas! Fleas!" and there will be more Proper
Whackings. If you come in wet, you will give Smallest sneezes. So you
will be pushed Outside, and you will scratch at doors that shut-in-
your-eye. You will belong with Yards and Brooms and Cold Passages and
all the Empty Places.' Slippers said: 'Let us go to Own Kennel and lie
down.' We wented.
We heard Own Gods walking in garden. They said: ''Nice to be home
again, but where are the Little Men?' Slippers said: 'Lie still, or
they will push us into the Empty Places.' We lay still. Missus called:
'Where is Slippers?' Master called: 'Boots, you ruffian! Hi Boots!' We
lay still. Own Gods came into yard and found. They said: 'Oh, there
you are! Did you think we would forget you? Come-for-walks.' We came.
We said soft. We rolled before feets, asking not to be pushed into
Empty Places. I made a Beseech, because I were not comfy. Missus said:
'Who'd have thought they'd take it this way, poor Little Men?' Master
threw plenty sticks. I picked up and brought back. Slippers went
inside with Missus. He came out quick. He said: 'Hurry! Smallest is
being washed.' I went like rabbits. Smallest was all no-things on top
or feets or middle. Nurse, which is Thick, washed and rubbed, and put
things on-all-over afterwards. I kissed hind-feet. Slippers too. Both
Gods said 'Look--it tickles him! He laughs. He knows they're all
right!' Then they said and they said and they kissed and they kissed
it, and it was bye-loe--same as 'kennel-up'--and then dinner, and
heads-on-feets under table, and lots things-passed-down. One were
kidney, and two was cheeses. We are most fine dogs!
XI
MARCH 1924.
Very many Long Times after those Times. Both Gods have gone-week-ends
in kennel-that-moves. But we are not afraid. They will come back.
Slippers went up to talk to that Smallest and Nurse. I went to see my
great friend Ravager at Walk, because I see him very often. There was
new, old, small, white dog outside Barn. There was only one eye. He
was dretful bitted all over. His teeth was black. He walked slow. He
said: 'I am Pensioned Hunt Terrier! Behave, you lap-dog!' I was afraid
of his oldness and his crossness. I went paws-up. I told about me and
Slippers and Ravager. He said: 'I know that puppy. I taught him to
grow-into-a-hound. I am more dash-old than Royal, his grandfather.' I
said: 'Is it good Rat? He is my friend. Will he grow-into-a-Hound?'
Hunt Terrier said: 'That depends.' He scratched his dretful-bitted
neck and looked me out of his eye. I did not feel comfy. I wented into
Barn. There was Ravager on Barn floor and two Peoples. One was all
white, except his black ends, which was called Moore. One was long,
proper man, and nice, which was called m'Lord. Moore-man lifted
Ravager's head and opened his mouth. Proper Man looked. Moore said
'Look, m'lord. He's swine-chopped.' Proper Man said: ''Pity! He's by
Romeo and Regan.' Moore-man said: 'Yes, and she's the wisest, worst-
tempered bitch ever was.' Proper Man gave Ravager biscuit. Ravager
stood up stiff on toes-very fine dog. Moore said: 'Romeo's shoulders.
Regan's feet. It's a pity, m'lord.' Proper Man said: 'And Royal's
depth. 'Great pity. I see. I'll give you the order about him to-
morrow.'
They wented away. Ravager said: 'Now they will make me grow-into-a-
Hound. I will be sent into Kennels, and schooled for cubbing-in-
September.' He went after. Hunt Terrier came and showed black teeth. I
said: 'What is "swine-chopped "?' He said: 'Being snipey-about-the
nose, stoopid.' Then Moore came and put Hunt Terrier up on neck, same
as Cookey carries Kitchen Cat. Hunt Terrier said: 'Never walk when you
can ride at my time of life.' They wented away. Me too. But I were not
comfy.
When I got home, Nurse and Adar and Cookey were in scullery, all
saying loud about Slippers and Kitchen Cat and Smallest. Slippers were
sitting in sink--bleedy. Adar turned sink-tap-water on his head.
Slippers jumped down and ran. We hid in boot-house. Slippers said: 'I
wented up to see that Smallest. He was bye-loe. I lay under Nurse's
bed. She went down for cup-o'-tea. Kitchen Cat came and jumped into
kennel-that-rocks, beside Smallest. I said: "G'out of this!" She said:
"I will sleep here. It is warm." I said very loud. Kitchen Cat jumped
out on floor. I bit her going to the door. She hit. I shook. We fell
downstairs into Nurse. Kitchen Cat hit across face. I let go because I
did not see. Kitchen Cat said, and Cookey picked up. I said, and Adar
picked up, and put me on sink and poured water on bleedy eye. Then
they all said. But I am quite well-dog, and it is not washing-day for
me.' I said: 'Slippers, you are fine dog! I am afraid of Kitchen Cat.'
Slippers said: 'Me too. But that time I was new dog inside-me. I were
'normous f'rocious big Hound! Now I am Slippers.'
I told about Ravager and Moore and Proper Man and Hunt Terrier and
swine-chopped. Slippers said: 'I cannot see where that Rat will run. I
smell it is bad rat. But I must watch my Smallest. It is your Rat to
kill.'
XII
Next Time after Not-Comfy. Kitchen Cat is gone away and not come back.
Kitchen is not nice to go in. I have went to see my friend Ravager at
Walk. He were tied up. He sang sorrowful. He told dretful things. He
said: 'When I were asleep last night, I grew-into-a-Hound--very fine
Hound. I went sleep-hunting with 'nother Hound--lemon-and-white Hound.
We sleep-hunted 'normous big Fox-Things all through Dark Covers. Then
I fell in a pond. There was a heavy thing tied to my neck. I went down
and down into pond till it was all dark. I were frightened and I
unsleeped. Now I am not comfy.' I said: 'Why are you tied-up?' He
said: 'Mister-Kent has tied me up to wait for Moore.' I said: 'That is
not my Rat. I will ask Hunt Terrier.'
So I went back into Park. I were uncomfy in all my hairs because of my
true friend Ravager. There were hedgehog in ditch. He rounded up. I
said loud. Hunt Terrier came out of bushes and pushed him into a
wetness. He unrounded. Hunt Terrier killed. I said: 'You are most
wonderful, wise, strong, fine dog.' He said 'What bone do you want
now, Snipey?' I said 'Tell me, what is "snipey-about-the-nose"?' He
said: 'It is what they kill Hound puppies for, because they cannot eat
fast or bite hard. It is being like your nose.' I said: 'I can eat and
bite hard. I am son of Champion Kildonan Brogue--Reserve--V.H.C.--
very-fine-dog.' Hunt Terrier said: 'I know that pack. They hunt fleas.
What flea is biting you?' I said 'Ravager is uncomfy, and I am uncomfy
of my friend Ravager.' He said: 'You are not so lap-dog as you look.
Show me that puppy on the flags.' So I said about Ravager sleep-
hunting and falling in pond, which he had told me when he were tied
up. Hunt Terrier said 'Did he sleep-hunt with a lemon-and-white-bitch
with a scar on her left jowl?' I said 'He said he hunted with 'nother
Hound--lemon-and-white--but he did not say Lady-Hound or jowels. How
did you know?' Hunt Terrier said: 'I knew last night. It will be dash-
near-squeak for Ravager.'
Then we saw Moore on Tall Horse in Park. Hunt Terrier said: 'He is
going to the Master for orders about Ravager. Run!' I were runnier
than Hunt Terrier. He was rude. There was Big House in Park. There was
garden and door at side. Moore went in. Hunt Terrier stayed to mind
Horse, which was his Tall Friend. I saw Proper Man inside, which had
been kind to Ravager at Walk. So I wented in, too. Proper Man said:
'What's this, Moore? 'Nother Hunt Terrier?' Moore said 'No, m'lord.
It's that little black devil from The Place, that's always coming over
to Kent's and misleading Ravager.' Proper Man said 'No getting away
from Ravager this morning, it seems.' Moore said: 'No--nor last night
either, m'lord.' Proper Man said: 'Yes, I heard her.' Moore said:
'I've come for orders about Ravager, m'lord.' Proper Man sat look-not-
see--same as Master with pipe. I were not comfy. So I sat up on my
end, and put paws over nose, and made a big Beseech. That is all I
can. Proper Man looked and said: 'What? Are you in it too, you little
oddity?' Hunt Terrier said outside: 'No dash-parlour-tricks in there!
Come on out of it!' So I came out and helped mind Tall Horse.
After whiles, Moore came out, and picked up Hunt Terrier, and put him
on front-saddle, and hurried. Hunt Terrier said rudenesses about my
short legs. When we got to Walk, Moore said loud to Mister-Kent: 'It
is all right.' Mister-Kent said: ''Glad of it. How did it come about?'
Moore said: 'Regan saved him. She was howling cruel last night; and
when his Lordship looked in this morning, she was all over him,
playing the kitten and featherin' and pleadin'. She knew! He didn't
say anything then, but he said to me just now: 'Ravager will be sent
to Kennels with the young entry, and we'll hope his defect ain't-too-
heredity.'
Mister-Kent untied. Ravager rolled and said and said and played with
me. We played I were Fox-at-his-home-among-the-rocks, all round Pig-
ladies-houses. I went to ground under hen-house. Hen-ladies said
plenty. Hunt Terrier said if he had me for two seasons, he would make
me earn-my-keep. But I would not like. I am afraid I would be put-in-
ponds and sunk, because I am snipey-about-the-nose. But now I am comfy
in all my hairs. I have ate grass and sicked up. I am happy dog.
XIII
EARLY APRIL 1924.
Most wonderful Times. We are fine dogs. There was Bell-Day, when
Master comes black-all-over, and walks slow with shiny box on top and
'don't-you-play-with-my-brolly.' That is always Bell-Day Rat. Nurse
put Smallest into push-kennel, and went for walk-in-Park. We went
with, and ran, and said lots. We went by Walk all along railings of
Park. Ravager heard. He said: 'I will come. My collar is too big.' He
slipped collar and came with. That Smallest said loud and nice, and
waved paw. Ravager looked into push-kennel and kissed Smallest on its
face. Nurse shooed and wiped with hanky. Ravager said: 'Why am I
"slobberybeast"? It is not 'ware-Smallest for me.'
We all walked across Park beside push-kennel. There was noise behind
bushes. Bull-which-we-played-with-in-yard came out, and digged with
paws and waved tail. Nurse said 'Oh, what shall I do--I do? My legs
are wobbly.' She took Smallest out of push-kennel and ran to railings.
Bull walked quick after. We ran in front. Slippers and I said lots.
Ravager jumped at his nose and ran. Bull spun. Ravager ran behind
push-kennel. Bull hit push-kennel on one side, and kneeled-down-on.
Ravager jumped at his nose, and Slippers bit behind. Me too. Bull
spun. Ravager ran a little in front. Bull came after to shrubbery.
Ravager said: 'Chop him in cover!' We chopped, running in and out.
Then Ravager bited and jumped back-with-barks before nose. It was fun.
Bull got bleedy. Slippers and me said dretful things. Bull ran away
into Park and stopped. We said from three places, so he could not
choose which. It were great fun.
Peoples called out from railings round Walk. There was Nursey paws-up
on ground, kicking feet. There was that Smallest and Own Gods holding
tight. There was Mister-Kent-Peoples. Bull said, quite small--like
cow-pup. Mister-Kent came and put stick at Bull's nose and took away
on-lead. All the Peoples on the railing said most loud at us. We were
frightened, because of chasing-pounds-off-those-calves. We went home
other ways. Ravager came with, because he had slipped his collar and
was in for Proper-Whack-Whack. I opened dust-bin with my nose-like I
can do. There were porridge and herring-tails and outsides of cheeses.
It was nice. Then Ravager stuck up his back-hairs most dretful, and
said: 'If I am for Proper Whackings, I will chop Mister-Kent.' We went
with to see.
There was plenty Peoples there, all Bell-Day-black all over. We saw
Moore. We saw Mister-Kent. He was bleedy one side his blacks. He blew.
He said 'Ravager's made a proper hash of him. Look at me Sunday-best!'
Moore said: 'That shows he ain't swine-chopped to matter.' Mister-Kent
said: 'Dam-all-how-it-shows! What about my Bull?' Moore said 'Put him
down to the Poultry Fund; for if ever Bull cried dung-hill, he did
with Ravager.' Mister-Kent said plenty-lots.
Ravager walked slow round barn and stopped stiff. His back-hairs was
like angry Gentlemen-pigs. Mister-Kent began to say dretful. Moore
said: 'Keep away. He has his mother's temper, and it's dash-awkward.'
Then Moore said nice small things and patted. Ravager put his head on
Moore's feets, and all his back-hairs lay down and was proper coat
again. Moore took him to kennel, and filled water-trough, and turned
straw on sleeping-bench. Ravager curled up like small puppy, and
kissed hands. Moore said: 'Let him be till he sees fit to come out.
Else there'll be more hurt than your Bull.'
Slippers and me ran away. We was afraid. We were dretful dirty. My
nice frilly drawers was full of sticky burrs, and our front-shirts
were bleedy off Bull. So we went to our Adar, but Own Gods and
Smallest and Nurse Thick came, and they all said and said and petted,
except Cookey because Kitchen Cat is not come back. There was
wonderful things-under-table at dinner. One was liver. One was cheese-
straw and one was sardine. Afterwards, was coffee-sugar. We wcnted up
to see Smallest bye-loed. He is quite well. We are most fine dogs. Own
Gods keep saying so. It are fun!
Just after that Times. There is no more Ravager at Walk. I have wented
to see him. Moore came with Tall Horse and cracky-whip and took.
Ravager showed very proud dog inside (he said), but outside frightened
puppy. He said I were his true friend in spite of my little legs. He
said he will come again when he is grown-into-a-Hound, and I will
always be his True Small Friend. He went looking back, but Moore
cracked whip. Ravager sung dretful. I heard him all down the lane
after I could see. I am sorrowful dog, but I am always friend of my
friend Ravager. Slippers came to meet me at Rabbit Holes. We got muddy
on tum, because we have low clearances. So we went to our Adar for
clean.
Kitchen Cat was on Wall again. Slippers said: 'Give her cold-dead-
rat.' We wented-past-under quite still. She said: 'I am Kitchen Cat
come back, silly little pups!' We did not say or look. We went to
Adar. Slippers said me: 'Now we hunt Bulls in Parks, do not ever say
to Kitchen Cat--ever!' I said: 'Good rat! You are wise dog.' Cookey
picked up and said: 'Mee own precious Pussums!' Kitchen Cat said: 'I
am Cat, not Dog, drat you!' Cookey kept on petting. Then she tied up
by basket in kitchen, and said: 'Now you've had your lesson about
going up to the nursery, you'll stay with me in future and behave!'
Kitchen Cat spitted. Cookey took broom in case we hunted; but we went
past quite still. This is finish to Kitchen Cat. We are fine dogs. We
hunt Bulls. She does not hunt real rats. She is Bad! Bad! Bad!
XIV
LATE APRIL 1925
Most Wonderful Times. This is me--Boots. Three years old. I am
'sponsible dog (Slippers, too), Master says. We are 'sponsible for
that Smallest. He can get out of push-kennel. He walks puppy-way
between Slippers and me. He holds by ears and noses. When he sits
down, he pulls up same way. He says: 'Boo-boo!' That is me. He says:
'See-see!' That is Slippers. He has bitted both our tails to make his
teeth grow strong, because he has no bone at night. We did not say. He
has come into both our kennels, and tried to eat our biscuit. Nurse
found. There was smallest Whack-Whacks. He did not say. He is finest
Smallest that is.
He had washings and new collar and extra brush. It was not Bell-Day.
It was after last-run-of-season. He walked on lawn. We came, one each
side. He held. There was horns in Park. I were tingly in all my hairs.
But I did not say. ('Too old to make-fool-of-myself, my time of life,
Master says.) There was Hounds and Pinks coming on grass. There was
Moore--but he was Pinks. There was Mister-Kent. But he was like rat-
catcher, Hunt Terrier said. There was nice Proper Man which was kind
to Ravager in barn about being swine-chopped. There was some more
Pinks, but not friends. Moore took all Hounds to gate by lawn. They
sat down quiet. They was beautiful muddy, and seeds in coats and
tails, and ears bleedy. Hunt Terrier sat in own basket on Tall Horse.
When Moore put him down he said dretful things to Hounds. They did not
say back. Proper Man said to Master and Missus: 'We have come to call
with brush for that Smallest.'
Smallest liked because it tickled; but Nurse Thick washed off with
hanky quick. Master-an'-Missus said: 'How did Ravager do?' Proper Man
said: 'As usual. 'Led from end to end. He wants to talk to you.'
Ravager stood up tall at the gate and put nose through. Smallest
stretched out and Ravager kissed. Then Moore said: 'Over, lad!'
Ravager overed in one jump, and said to Smallest, two times most loud,
like Bell-Day, and played puppy very careful, and let Smallest hold by
ears. His ears was all made round.
He spoke me. I went paws-up, because he were so big and dretful and
strong. He said 'Drop it, Stoopid! 'Member me bein' lost? 'Member
Bucket and Fishheads? 'Member Bull? 'Member Cow-pups and Lady-pigs and
Mister-Kent and Proper Whackings and all those things at Walk? You are
True Sporting Dog, except only because of your little legs, and always
true friend of Ravager.' He rolled me over, and held down with paws,
and play-bit in my neck. I play-bitted him too, right on jowels! All
the Hounds saw! I walked round stiff-on-toes, most proud.
Then Hunt Terrier wiggled under gate without leave. Proper Man said to
Missus: 'He is pensioned now, but it would break his heart not to turn
out with the rest. He can't hurt your dogs, poor fellow.' Hunt Terrier
walked-on-toes round me and showed black teeth. I went paws-up,
because he were old and dretful about knowing Uncomfy things. He said:
'I will let you off this time, Snipey, because you knew about Ravager
sleep-hunting in Dark Covers. 'Dash narrow shave, that! Now I must go
and look after the young entry. Not one-dash-Hound among 'em!'
He went away and bitted at an old Lady-Hound, lemon-and-white, with
black bites on jowels. She said, and wrinkled nose dretful, but she
did not chop. She sat and looked at Ravager through gate, and said to
him--like Bell-Day, but more loud. Proper Man said: 'Old Regan wants
her tea. 'Fraid we must be going.' They wented away. There was horns
and Horses and Pinks, and Hounds jumping up, and Moore saying names
loud, and Ravager overed gate most beautiful. They wented all away--
all--all. I were very small little dog.
Then Smallest said: 'Boo-boo!' 'See-see!' He took necks by collars. He
said to Own Gods: 'Look! Look! Own 'ounds! Own 'ounds! Turn on tea,
'ounds.'...
THE GREAT PLAY HUNT
PLEASE! Door! Open Door!...This is me--Boots--which told you all
those things about my true friend Ravager at Walk and Mister-Kent-
Peoples and Kitchen Cat and Master-Missus and Smallest, when I were
almost Pup. Now I am 'sponsible dog, rising eight. I know all about
Peoples' talkings. No good saying r-a-t-s or w-a-l-k-s to me. I know!
(Slippers too.)
Slippers is 'sponsible for Smallest, risen seven and a half, because
Smallest belongs to Missus. And Slippers too. I help. It is very fine
Smallest. It has sat on Tall Horse, which is called Magistrate, in
front of that White Man which was kind to Ravager at Walk, which I
told you, which is called Moore-Kennel-Huntsman. It has learned to
keep hands down and bump, and fall off proper, and all those things.
Now he has own pony called Taffy-was-a-Welshman. He rides with Moore
and Magistrate all-over-Park. We come with. And he goes to Meet when
it is at Kennels. Master-Missus say he must not real-hunt-just-yet. He
does not like and says. I come to Meets with James in kennel-that-
moves because of those dash new Hunt Terriers. I speak to my friend
Ravager from next to steering-wheel, where I sit. He is best-hound-
ever-was, Moore says. He walks close to near fore-leg of Magistrate.
It is most 'sponsible place. He has nigh-half-choked Upstart for
trying to take it, Moore says.
Now I will tell things and things like rats running.
First, 'was dash-bad business about Smallest in Old Nursery before
brekker. There was hard tight collar. That new Nursey, which is called
Guvvy, pinched under neck. Smallest said about boney old Lady-Hound.
Guvvy said-and-said and shook Smallest. We shook too--one each side
her middle dress. We did not nip. It tore of herself. Missus came up
quick. Guvvy said all-about-all again. We wented downstairs quick.
Missus called to Master. He said: 'Come here, you two sweeps!' There
was Proper Whacking with own cutty-whip. But we did not nip that
Guvvy. There was whack-whack for Smallest too. He was put in corner
till 'I-am-sorry.' We went with to sit by, same as always with old
Nursey. Missus said: 'I will not have my son's education perverted by
two 'sreputable curs.' There was order not to be with Smallest all
whole day. And nothing gived under-table at brekker. So we wented to
dust-bin, which I can open with my nose. House not comfy because of
Guvvy saying about us to our Adar. Our Adar said 'P'raps I ought to
have warned you, but now you have had your lesson. Of course, Slippers
will never forgive you for touching Master Digby, and as for that
Boots, he can bear malice for months!' After dust-bin I said Slippers:
'Come for walk-about.' He said 'Own-God-Master always wants you help
him walk-about after brekker.' I said: 'I do not want Own God. I did
not nip that Guvvy-Lady-Hound. Come with.' Slippers said: 'They have
put soap on my Smallest's teeth for badwording. He is kennelled up in
Old Nursery. I will stay at home. P'raps he will wave me out of
window.' So I took myselfs to Walk, where Mister-Kent-Peoples is. I
were nice to Mister-Kent's two Frilly Smalls, which I know since they
came. There was bread and butter and sugar. There was: 'Run along to
school now, dearies.' I wented with to take care. There was lots more
Smalls going to school, which I all knew. I ran sticks for them. There
was two pieces gingerbread and two sweeties. Then I wented back to
Walk because I were hungry. There was two hen-heads outside ferret-
kennel box. They were nice. There was Lady-Hen in barn hatching eggs.
They were good. There was Ben-sheep-dog, which was tied up because of
meddy that morning. He had left his bone out too far. I took away to
Mice-field where Wood's Edge comes down behind Walk. I caught four
mices by jumping-on through grass. There was some of very old rabbit
lying about. But bad fur. So I unhad all which was inside me, and
wented into Woods for drink in Middle Ride. And sleeped. When I
unsleeped, there was that old Fox which Ravager calls Tags, because he
has very fine brush. He is dash-old but dash-wise, Ravager says. There
was steel-trap on near-fore. He was biting-out foot. He said: 'If I am
found like this, it is finish-for-me.' I said: 'There is no Meet to-
day.' He said: 'Every day is Meet for that dash-Ben-cur-dog.' I said:
'Ben is tied up. He has took meddy.' Tags said: 'Then there is a
chance.' He bited his foot, same as me with thorns. He bited off two
toes, and licked and licked. He said: ''Serves me right for being
dash-fool, my time-of-life.' He said it were two-nice-kind-ladies,
long ways off, across railway line in Cotswold country (because Tags
does not kill at home), which took hens to be killed in kennels-that-
move, which had set trap under hen-house floor, with chicken which he
could see. He tried to rake out. Trap caught two toes. He came home
with--four miles--all through the night-times. He said he could not
kill for himself for long whiles now, because of sore toes. I said:
'There is a big bone and four mices in Micefield, and some of old
rabbit.' He said: 'Good enough! Tell Ravager I am as lame as trees. I
am two toes short. I will lie up for rest of season. Then I will go to
my-home-among-the-rocks-in-Wales, if I can keep living alive.'
I wented back to Walk, because I were hungry again. Ben said me lots
about his bone. I said back. I danced. A Kent Frilly Small came and
said: 'There is Boots playing so pretty with Ben. May I take him home,
in case he will lose himself?' I were very nice. But first was tea in
Kent-kitchen with Frilly Smalls--bread and hamjuice. Then I took that
Frilly back careful to own back-door. Adar said: 'Lost? Him? Boots?
Never, me dear!' Own Gods was at tea. But not Smallest. Slippers sat
close by door making sorrowful sniffles which Own Gods do not like. (I
helped.) Master said: 'Dash-it-all, if the house is to be run by this
blackguard Trades Union of ours, accept it. Have Digby down!' Smallest
came down to tea. We was all-over-him. There was tea-cake and two
sugars and ginger-biscuits. Missus said: 'Do you think Boots spent the
whole day looking for Smallest?' Master said: 'Not if I know Boots.'
Own Gods began talking Master-Missus way. We wented to help Smallest
kennel-up. I played smelling rats and looking rat-holes in Old
Nursery. I ran about and growled dretful. Guvvy did not like because
of her feet. But I did not ever nip that Guvvy--more than Tags ever
killed at Walk. (Slippers too.) 'Was dash silly business for me
afterwards--my time-o'-life. Guvvy told Missus about rat-holes. Missus
told Master. Master told James to look and stop rat-holes. James told
Old Nursery was tight as bottles everywhere. Adar said me in scullery
after: 'Boots, you come along o' me.' I wented up with. I were not
comfy. Adar said: 'Now you find those precious rat-holes of yours.' I
played looky-sniffy hard. But it were play rat-holes. I went paws-up.
Adar said: 'I thought so, you little devil!' She took by collar and
rubbed nose hard in corner, same as if I were pup being taught House.
I were very angry. I wented under bed. She pulled me out by tail. She
said 'You black-hearted little villain! But I love yer for it!' And
she kissed me same as Small Pup. I were dretful 'shamed. But I did not
ever nip that Guvvy.
Now I tell new things. Please sit up!
There was plenty-rides always with Smallest and Moore in Park.
Smallest wanted to real-hunt dretful bad, but Master-Missus said not-
just-yet-awhile. Moore did not say except to James at Meet, when
Smallest tried to quick-up that Taffy with safety-pin. Moore saw. He
said James: 'My money is on the young entry.' I said Ravager all those
things which Tags had told me about his sore toes. Ravager said: 'Tell
Tags I am dash-sorry for him. He has given me as much as I could do
for five seasons, and he was not chickens then. I hope he will lie-at-
earth till leaves-on, because business is business.' Next whiles I was
at Middle Ride I told Tags what Ravager had said. Tags said his toes
was not so sore, and if it were early spring, he could keep living
alive--somehow.
Time whiles after that, 'was Meet at Kennels. Master-Missus said
Smallest could begin real-hunting at cubbing-times next September.
Smallest was dretful good, and talked Master-Missus and Slippers how
he would hunt, till bedtime. I told my friend Ravager all those
things, when I speaked loud to him next Meet, before all the Hounds.
He said: 'I will show that Smallest a thing or two when he comes up.
He is keen-stuff.'
Time whiles after that, Shiny Plate got up strong, and made-sing. Adar
looked out from high-up, and said: 'Quiet!' We played Rattle-chain
round our kennels. Adar said: 'Drat!' She came and unloosed, like she
always does when we do enough. We went for walk-abouts in Gardens and
Orchard like we always do when she does. It were fun. Then we heard
'Lost Hound 'like long ways off, but not proper singing. We said: 'Who
is? Come here.' It said: 'I do not know where "here" is. I do not
see.' I said: 'That is Ravager. Rabbit it!' We rabbited through
Orchard. There was Ravager. But he walked side-ways, head-twisty-very
dretful. I said loud. He did not know. He said: 'I will go quick to
Kennels.' But he went round and round. He said: ''Ware Kennel-that-
Moves!' Slippers said: 'It is strange new 'stemper-dog inside Ravager.
'Same what Cookey gave me egg-an-brandy-for.' Ravager said: 'Where is
my own place on the Bench?' But he bumped trees and twisted. We were
afraid. We came each one side him. We came to own kennels...He
fell down between. We licked his head because it were bleedy. After
long whiles he said: 'Where is this?' We said: 'This is Boots and
Slippers.' He tried to go away to Kennels. He could not lift. We lay
close and licked and licked till Adar pulled back kitchen-curtains for
brekker. We said. She came quick. (Cookey too.) There was egg-an-
brandy, as-fast-as-you-can. Master-Missus and Smallest came quick
after. James went in Kennel-that-Moves to get Vet-Peoples out-of-bed-
by-his-hair. Moore and Magistrate came quick too, because Ravager had
not cast-up at Kennels last night, and Upstart had fought Egoist for
Ravager's place on sleepy-bench, and Kennels was all-of-a-nuproar.
Moore said small to Ravager, but Ravager did not say back. Moore and
Master put him on potting-bench in shed after Harry-with-Spade had
broomed out and got small stove lighted. Smallest was took away to
brekker, saying loud. Vet-Peoples did dretful things to Ravager's
head. There was put-him-to-bed after. Moore set away straw same as at
Kennels. Ravager tail-thumped two small times. We was let lie. We
licked and we licked his head. Vet said he had lost one eye for always
and not-much-chance for other. He said it were some-dash-motor. And
Ravager were sick dog!
All those whiles, Smallest came to sit with, 'cept only when Guvvy
took away, or it was rides in Park. Me too, except if Master wanted me
help him walk-about farms. One time I saw Tags in Wood Edge. I told
about Ravager. He said: 'I knew it the same night. It were that
kennel-that-moves of the nice-kind-ladies in the Cotswold country,
which takes hens to be killed. Tell Ravager I am dash-sorry; because
eyes are worse than legs. Tell him to come over some day when it is
leaves-on, and we will talk old runs. We are both finished now; and
no-bad-feelings.' And he said: 'Licking is best for cuts. Look at my
toes!' And he said he was killing again off nice-kind-hen-killer-
ladies, which was sending bill to the Cotswold and Heythrop. He said
they was Prize Cockerels, but it were dash-difficult to get bellyful
these hard late frosts. I said: 'There is fine dust-bin at our place.
I can lift lid with nose. We will not tell.' Tags said me: 'If your
legs was good as your heart, I could not live for three fields in
front of you. I am ashamed--'my-timeof-life--to go dust-binning. But I
will come. Tell Ravager not to make a song about it, if he winds me.'
So he came to our dust-bin all quiet.
Whiles after that, Ravager was unsick Hound again. He said he had had
thorn in foot at end of that run. He turned out on grass to bite it
out, by gate of nice-kind-ladies where Tags killed chickens. Ladies
was taking hens to be killed, lots-and-plenty, in kennel-that-moves.
They skidded kennel on grass because they talked. They hit him into
ditch, and he was made into strange blind dog. I told him about Tags
and dust-bin. He said: 'That is all proper. Tell him to come and talk
me old runs together, because we are both out-of-it now.'
Time whiles after that, Ravager got down off bench and ate grass. He
said me: 'I will go to my Kennels and speak them all there. Come with,
because I do not see except my near side, and dash-little there.'
Slippers said: 'It is riding-times for my Smallest. I will wait.' So I
wented with Ravager. I put me his off-side in case if he bumped. We
wented slow up middle of Park, which he knew by nose. Kennels was
shut. Moore and Magistrate was coming to take Smallest for ride.
Proper Man were there too, with new-four-year-old. I sat down outside,
because I do not like those dash new Hunt Terriers. Ravager put up
nose and said very long at Kennel Gates. There was dretful noise
inside Kennels, all together, one time, and stop. Proper Man said
Moore: 'I did not think this would have to happen.' Moore said: 'I saw
it once when I was stable-boy to the Marquis, me Lord.' Proper Man
said: 'Let him in and get it over, 'Pity's sake!' Ravager was let go
in. He went to window looking into Hounds' sleepy-bench. He lifted
himself up slow on sill, and looked them with his near eye. He did not
say. There was one time more dretful noise inside, together, and stop.
Then he did say very long, same as Lost Hound. Then he looked in, and
'was one more dretful cry inside. He dropped down. He came out. I
said: 'What is?' He said: 'Upstart has my place on bench. I will go
riding with Smallest.' Proper Man said Moore: 'Come on!' But
Magistrate's girths was slack. Moore tighted up very careful. Proper
Man blew his nose angry and said: 'You are as big dash-fool as your
Master.' We wented back to Smallest. Proper Man told Smallest Ravager
would not ever come to Kennels any more, and gave him for very own to
keep always. Master-Missus put in old Labrador Kennels by vegetable
gardens, with day-and-night-bench, but never locked, so he could come
and go like-he-felt. (I can open that with my nose too.)
After that, 'was plenty ridings in Park, because Magistrate had thick-
leg and wanted gentle-summer-exercise. Those times, Smallest said all
about real-hunting, same as always. Moore said, if Ravager could
speak, he could show Smallest more than Master-or-Me. He said all
about real-hunts and Ravager, and Romeo and Regan, and Royal and
Rachel, and Rupert and Ristori, which was all Ravager's fathers and
mothers; and Foxes and Scents and casting hounds, and those fine
things. Smallest found small red rumpet in Old Nursery, and played it
were Horn-on-a-fine-hunting-morn. Moore showed how to squeak with.
Ravager showed Slippers and me how to answer to Horn same as Sporting
Pack. It were fun.
'Was one time when leaves-was-all-on, Shiny Plate came up strong and
made-sing. We played Rattle-chain till Adar loosed, like she always
does. We went to see Ravager, like we always do then. 'Was Tags
outside old Labrador Kennels down-wind under gooseberries, like he
does when he comes for talk. There was big say-and-say about old runs
with Ravager and Tags. They did not say same about things. Slippers
said 'No use worrying dead rats.' Ravager said 'Better worrying dead
rats than no rats ever.' Slippers said: 'I know a good rat. Make a new
run by your two selves. Make a run for my Smallest.' Ravager said: 'He
will come up with the young entry for cubbing in September. He will
learn soon enough then.' Slippers said: 'But show him a run now by
yourselves; because you and Tags are dash-cunning at both ends of the
game.' Tags said: 'That looks like sound Rabbit. Bolt him.' Slippers
said: 'Make my Smallest a play-hunt up and down Wood Edge Rides. That
Taffy is all grass-belly. He cannot jump, but he can wiggle through
anywhere. Make a play-hunt up and down all Wood Rides.' I said: 'And
across Park, and plenty checks for me to keep with Ravager in case if
he bumps.' Ravager said: 'I will not bump. I know every inch of the
Park by nose. I will not bump.' Tags said: 'I am lame. I am fat. I am
soon going to Brecknock.' Ravager said: 'You are too much dust-bin.
'Do you good to have a spin in the open before you leave. 'Do us both
good.' Tags said: 'That is Shiny-Plate-talk.' But he waggled his
brush. Ravager said: 'What about scent this time-of-year?' Slippers
said: 'Make it point-to-point, same as Hunt Races, and dash-all-
scents.' Ravager said: 'But I must show our Smallest how proper hounds
work. He must see a-little-bit-of-all-sorts.' Tags said: 'My toes tell
me that when Shiny Plate sits down this morning, rain will come, and
scent will lie.' Ravager said: 'You ought to know. Now, worry out run
for Smallest.' So there were proper worry--like all shaking same rat--
abour line-of-country for Smallest's play-hunt. It were across Park
from Wood's Edge Rides by Cattle Lodge and Little Water to Starling
Wood, and saying good-bye to all kind friends at The Kennels, and
finish at Made Earths by Stone Wall on County road, because, Tags
said, that were his back-door to the Berkeley Country for Wales.
Slippers and me helped lots. Then rain came, like Tags' toes said.
Morning-time 'was finished raining. Moore came with Magistrate--which
had thick-leg and smelly bandage--only-for-gentle-work. Smallest took
rumpet with, and own cracky whip, same as always. Ravager ran near-
side Taffy. Me too. We wented up by Micefields to Middle Ride because
of soft going, Moore said. In Middle Ride 'was Tags waiting like he
said he would. Moore said: 'Dash his impertininces! Look at him!'
Ravager gave tongue and wented up Ride. Me too. Smallest sticked hand
behind ear and squealed proper. Tags scuttled limpity, but dash-quick.
Magistrate see-sawed like that thing in Old Nursery. Moore said: ''Old
'ard, you silly summer-fool, you! Come back, Master Digby!' Smallest
said: 'Hike to Ravager Forrard on!' We rabbited down Middle Ride---
'normous long way. Tags turned right-handed into cover at Keeper's
Oak, so he could slip into Park by Beech Hedge Gaps and Three Oaks,
like he said he would. It were thick cover. We took it easy because it
were hot. I keeped beside Ravager because he did not see. Tags said
him in cover: 'There is nothing wrong with your legs.' Ravager said:
''Sorry if I pressed! I know Middle Ride by nose. That were not bad
beginning.' Moore said loud: 'Come away, Master Digby. You won't see
any more of him. He'll be through all manner of counties by now.'
Smallest said: 'Don't you hunt my hounds!' Taffy pecked on ant-hill in
fern. Smallest pitched forward, and hit face on Taffy's head. His nose
bleeded plenty. He wiped with hand across. Moore said: 'What will I
say to your Ma?' Slippers said: 'Ravager, draw down West Ride, where
that Taffy can see his stoopid feet!' Ravager spoke, and drew down
West Ride over turf all proper, to Beech Hedge Gaps into Park by Three
Oaks. Taffy wiggled through. Magistrate after. He were like bullocks.
Moore was all leafy. He bad-worded Magistrate. Tags came out from
behind Three Oaks like he said he would, and wented down Little Water.
Smallest rumpeted. Moore said: 'He ain't ever going to cross the Park?
Or is he? Dash if I make-it-out-at-all!' Tags went by Little Water to
Park Dingle. He crossed Water two times, like he said he would, and
went along from Park Dingle to Larch Copse.
Ravager took up scent and worked along Little Water quite slow, to
show Smallest proper-good-work. Moore said: 'Watch, Master Digby!
You'll never see anything prettier in your life--young as you are!' It
were dretful strong scent. Slippers and me spoke to it loud. Ravager
too. When we came to Larch Copse, where Tags had doubled, like he said
he would, Ravager said: 'Stop it, stoopids! We lose the Scent here.'
He threw up head, and went back to Taffy and Smallest, and sat down
and scratched ear. (Slippers and me too.) Smallest said: 'Shall I cast
them?' Moore said: ''Can't have it both ways, Master Digby. They're
your 'ounds, not mine.' Smallest put finger in mouth and bited, like
he does when he does not know. Moore did not say. We did not say.
After whiles (we did not say) Smallest rumpeted, and cast back other
side Little Water to Park Dingle. Ravager said: 'Our Smallest is no
fool!' We all worked hard on back-cast. Slippers said: 'May I give
tongue now for my Smallest? Scent is strong enough to kill pigs.' So
he were let give tongue. (Me too.) Ravager confirmed. Tags got out of
Park Dingle like he said he would. We all rabbited for Cattle Lodge in
Park, where once fat Bull was which we hunted. It were sound turf
which Ravager knew by nose. That were Frocious Burst. I led Slippers
to Lodge. Tags got under yard-gate. Ravager said me: 'May I fly
cattle-bars? I think the top one is down.' I said: 'It is up. Go
under!' He were dretful ashamed, but he did go under. We all sat in
calf-shed, where water-trough is, and drinked. We were thirsty. After
whiles, Moore said to Smallest outside: 'What made you cast back at
Larch Copse, sir?' Smallest said: 'If I were lame Fox pushed out of my
Woods, I would try to get back.' Moore said: ''Eaven be praised! You
have it in you! I 'ave only 'elped fetch it out!' Tags said Ravager:
'It is time I left the country. Was anything wrong with my double? Did
either you little 'uns give that cub of yours a lead about it?'
Slippers said: 'I did try to help my Smallest by edging off. But he
was angry, and told me off proper. That back-cast were all his own
rat.' Then Tags said Ravager: 'Why did you run so mute down Little
Water? Young 'uns are always keen on music, you know.' Ravager said:
'Sorry! That was my Mother's fault, too, on a scent. She always
preferred her work to her company. Same as me.' Tags said: 'Come on,
then. Next point is Starling Wood. I shall work down old Drainage
Ditch, taking it easy, and slip in by Duck's Hollow. It will be more
little-bit-of-all-sorts for your Smallest.'
Tags broke to view behind Cattle Lodge, like he said he would. There
were scurry over turf to Old Ditch. He dropped in. It were deep--with
brambles. We took it easy. Smallest said loud, because he could not
see. Moore said: 'They are working their hearts out for you in there,
Master Digby. Don't press 'em. Don't press!' Ravager said Tags: 'Show
a bit, now and then. The Young Entry are all for blood, you know.' So
Tags showed up two-three-times edge of ditch. And Smallest squealed
and was happy-pup. At Ditch-end Tags said: 'Come through Duck's Hollow
quiet, and 'ware new hurdles.' So we did. Starling Wood was hurdled
tight. Ravager took hurdles flying skew-ways, because he saw them a
little. I were uncomfy of my friend Ravager. I did not know what he
would fall on--same as me with lawnmower and the pheasant-bird. But it
were only thistles. He said: 'Sorry! I forgot I were blind dog.'
We all sat. It were stinky, eggy, feathery birdy place--all sticks.
Ravager said Tags: 'Moore never puts hounds in here. We do not like
it, and Scent don't lie.' Tags said: 'But Moore does, and Foxes cannot
be dash-particular.' Moore and Smallest came riding outside. We sat
still. Moore said: 'He can't be there, Master Digby! No fox uses where
starlings use. The Hounds won't look at Starling Wood.' Smallest said:
'You said hunting is what-can't-happen happenin' dash-always.' Moore
said: 'Yes, but he's gone on to make his point across the Park. Come
'ome and wash your face 'fore any one sees.' Smallest said: 'And lose
my Fox?' Moore said: 'Then get 'old of 'em and cast forward.' Smallest
did not say. He took rumpet off his saddle and held out to Moore.
Moore would not take. He wented over all red in his face. He said: 'I
most 'umbly apologise, Master Digby. I do indeed.' Slippers said: 'I
do not know this rat.' Ravager said: 'He is giving his horn to Moore,
because Moore knows so dash-well how to find his fox.' Tags said
Ravager: ''Better speak a little, or Moore will lose me--same as last
season.' Ravager speaked. Smallest said: 'He is there! Ravager can't
lie. You said so yourself. Get down-wind quick!' Moore wented. He hit
Magistrate proper. Slippers said: 'Why did Moore not take my
Smallest's rumpet?' Ravager said: 'Moore is too dash-ashamed of
himself for trying to hunt another man's hounds--same as that snipey-
nose-man which The Master gave his horn to, because he said he was
whip to the Bathsheba Lady-Pack.' Tags said Slippers: 'Come with! Here