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CHANGES OF FORTUNE
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changed and he sprang to his feet as though an adder had stung him. And no wonder, for the hounds at once struck the line of the otter, and made down—river at full cry. 'Well now, Grylls,' said he, 'is it go or stay? Why, stay, of coorse; sure as you're alive they'll be back again.' So he stood watching and watching and watching till hounds and men became blurred by distance, and at last disappeared into the wood. 'You're out of it, git chucklehead!' said he, as he lowered the glass. 'Why didn't 'ee go down to the meet as you always do? You're gettin' lazy. You're out of it, out of it, and come fifteen mile for nothin'! Pick up the pony and shog home along; there's nothin' else for 'ee to do.' In his rage he kicked the loose rock at his feet, and sent it bounding down the face of the hill. Nevertheless, it was not many seconds before he was again scrutinizing the spot where the river falls to the ravine, and before long he exclaimed, 'Halloo! what's that? Ah, theere 'tes again and again; the glint of the horn, I'll be bound.' He was all excitement now, and watching as he had never watched before in his life. 'What's that—eh, eh? It's they, it's they! See, thee're crossin' the bend of Zingey Pool.' Though the hounds were scarcely discernible