The Gay Lord Waring (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1910 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV A FLASH IN THE PAN IT was a blustering night, and very dark. The keepers had assembled silently outside the front entrance to Fancourt, where they were presently joined by Lord Waring and their master. Parker, who for years had acted as Mark's valet and attended him on all occasions, was dressed in a hybrid costume, half-livery, half-mufti, with brown gaiters and a cricket cap, and joined the party carrying his master's gun and his own. The men congregated around Lord Waring as their natural chief in an affair of this kind. "You lead the way, Arthur," said Mark amiably; "you understand this sort of thing." As a matter of fact, Mark himself was extremely nervous. The party filed off in silence, piloted by the head game-keeper, who took them to a gap in Long Bottom Wood, which was reached after ten minutes' walk. There was a miniature gale blowing through the valley, rustling the leaves and crackling among the boughs, while heavy clouds rolled across the sky, which was lighted in the intervals by the stars. The men formed themselves into a cordon around the wood, Parker keeping very close to Mark, who was resolved not to be left entirely alone. Lord Waring was some distance away, but all were in touch one with another, communicating at intervals. Suddenly, a cry rang out from a distant part of the wood, followed by the yelp of a dog, quickly stifled: the poachers were out The crackling of the undergrowth announced a forward movement; but Mark hung back a little, still nervous. "Keep close to me, Parker," he commanded; "I can't see at all in this gloom." "Yes, sir." "You've got my gun?" "Yes, sir." Something pattered in front; next, a gasping dog came tearing through the bracken. It ran straight between the legs of a keeper, who clubbed it with hi...