On All-Hallows' day, with a numerous train, he went forth a-hunting. His
hounds were the fleetest from Calder to Calder; and his horns the
shrillest through the wide forests of Accrington and Rossendale. But on
that morning a strange hound joined the pack that outstripped them all.
"Blow," cried Lord William, "till the loud echoes ring, and the fleet
hounds o'ertake yon grizzled mongrel."
Both horses and dogs were driven to their utmost speed, but the strange
hound still kept ahead. Over moor and fell they still rushed on, the
hounds in full cry, though as yet guided only by the scent, the object
of their pursuit not being visible. Suddenly a white doe was seen,
distant a few yards only, and bounding away from them at full speed. She
might have risen out of the ground, so immediate was her appearance. On
they went in full view, but the deer was swift, and she seemed to wind
and double with great dexterity. Her bearing was evidently towards the
steep crags on the east. They passed the Tower of Bernshaw, and were
fast approaching the verge of that tremendous precipice, the "Eagle
Crag." Horse and rider must inevitably perish if they follow.
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