Popanilla inquired of a huntsman
what sport they generally followed in Blunderland. According to the
custom of this country, where they never give a direct answer, the
huntsman said that he did not know that there was any other sport but
one. Popanilla thought him a brute, and dug his spurs into his horse.
They went off at a fine rate, and the exercise was most exhilarating.
In a short time, as they were cantering along a defile, they received a
sharp fire from each side, which rather reduced their numbers; but they
revenged themselves for this loss when they regained the plain, where
they burnt two villages, slew two or three hundred head of women, and
bagged children without number. On their, return home to dinner they
chased a small body of men over a heath for nearly two hours, which
afforded good sport; but they did not succeed in running them down, as
they themselves were in turn chased by another party. Altogether, the
day was not deficient in interest, and Popanilla found in the evening
his powers of digestion improved.
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