, it is a pleasure. Young men and women attend riding-school in
our fatherland, and consider that they are studying a science. Jerome
was no rider. He had not been on horseback for more than ten years, and
as soon as he mounted, every one saw that he was a novice, and a smile
was on the countenance of each member of the company.

The blowing of the horn, and assembling of the hounds, and finally the
release of the fox from his close prison, were the signals for the
chase to commence. The first half-mile the little animal took his
course over a beautiful field where there was neither hedge nor ditch.
Thus far the chase was enjoyed by all, even by the American rider, who
was better fitted to witness the scene than to take part in it.

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.

"I hope no accident has happened to your honor," said the groom, as he
met our hero at the gate.

"A slight dizziness," was the answer.

One of the servants, without being ordered, went at once for the family
physician. Asha