TOM JONES 63
Mr. Allworthy had given the fellow strict orders, on
pain of forfeiting his place, never to trespass on any of
his neighbours; no more on those who were.less rigid
in this matter than on the lord of this manor. With
regard to others, indeed, these orders had not been
always very scrupulously kept; but as the disposition
of the gentleman with whom the partridges had taken
sanctuary was well known, the gamekeeper had never
yet attempted to invade his territories. Nor had he
done it now, had not the younger sportsman, who was
excessively eager to pursue the flying game, over-
persuaded him; but Jones being very importunate,
the other, who was himself keen enough after the sport,
yielded to his persuasions, entered the manor, and shot
one of the partridges.
The gentleman himself was at that time on horse-
back, at a little distance from them; and hearing the
gun go off, he immediately made towards the place,
and discovered poor Tom; for the gamekeeper had
leaped into the thickest part of the furze-brake, where
he had happily concealed himself.
The gentleman, having searched the lad and found
the partridge upon him, denounced great vengeance,
swearing he would acquaint JVtr. Allworthy* He was
as good as his word, for he rode immediately to his
house, and complained of the trespass on hds manor
in as high terms and as bitter language as if his house
had been broken open, and the most valuable furniture
stolen out of it. He added that some other person was
in his company, though he could not discover him; for
that two guns had been discharged almost in the