The first thing which recalled him to those unpleasing circumstances
was feeling that his horse, notwithstanding all the advantages which he
received from his rider's knowledge of the country, was unable to keep
up with the chase. As he drew his bridle up with the bitter feeling
that his poverty excluded him from the favourite recreation of his
forefathers, and indeed their sole employment when not engaged in
military pursuits, he was accosted by a well-mounted stranger, who,
unobserved, had kept near him during the earlier part of his career.
"Your horse is blown," said the man, with a complaisance seldom used in
a hunting-field. "Might I crave your honour to make use of mine?"
"Sir," said Ravenswood, more surprised than pleased at such a proposal.
"I really do not know how I have merited such a favour at a stranger's
hands."
"Never ask a question about it, Master," said Bucklaw, who, with great
unwillingness, had hitherto reined in his own gallant steed, not to
outride his host and entertainer. "Take the goods the gods provide you,
as the great John Dryden says; or stay--here, my friend, lend me that
horse; I see you have been puzzled to rein him up this half-hour.
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