CHAPTER 4
Mr. Drury, the hunt Master, urged his horse
forward up a steep incline. He was drenched from head to foot,
water dripping off the front lip of his velvet hunt cap. The
scarlet, heavy melton coat kept his body dry where it covered him,
but his pants, gloves, and leather boots were soaked. The belly and
legs of his horse were covered with dark blotches of thick mud,
along with the stirrups and leather girth that held the German
jumping saddle tightly in place. Every time the horse exhaled, his
breath was visible, as the hot air exploded into the cold, damp
day. His sides heaved with each breath. Steam rose off his
back.
Sitting deep in the saddle, Mr. Drury pulled
back on the reins and brought his mount to a halt. He yelled a
command at the hounds calling them off the
