We left Jerome in our last reluctantly engaged in the chase; and
though the first mile or so of the pursuit, which was over smooth
meadow-land, had had an exhilarating effect upon his mind, and
tended somewhat to relieve him of the embarrassment consequent
upon his position, he nevertheless still felt that he was far from
being in his proper element. Besides, the fox had now made for a
dense forest which lay before, and he saw difficulties in that
direction which to him appeared insurmountable.
Away went the huntsmen, over stone walls, high fences, and deep
ditches. Jerome saw the ladies even leading the gentlemen, but
this could not inspire him. They cleared the fences, four and five
feet high with perfect ease, showing they were quite at home in
the saddle. But alas for the poor American! As his fine steed came
up to the first fence, and was about to make the leap, Jerome
pulled at the bridle, and cried at the top of his voice, "Whoa!
whoa! whoa!" the horse at the same time capering about, and
appearing determined to keep up with the other animals.
Away dashed the huntsmen, following the hounds, and all were soon
lost to the view of their colored companion. Jerome rode up and
down the field looking for a gate or bars, that he might get
through without risking his neck. Finding, however, that all hope
of again catching up with the party was out of the question, he
determined to return to the house, under a plea of sudden illness,
and back he accordingly went.
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