350 MAJOR W. HODSON. 



astonished the world by its courage and coolness. 

 Hodson was indeed a man who, from his romantic 

 daring and his knowledge of the Asiatic character, 

 was able to beat the natives at their own weapons. 

 We could better have spared an older and more 

 highly placed officer." 



The impression which Hodson made upon those 

 who knew him intimately may be gathered from 

 the picture drawn of him by the lady from whom 

 I have already quoted : — 



" There was an indescribable charm of manner 

 about him, combining all the gentle playfulness of 

 the boy, the deep tenderness of the woman, and 

 the vigorous decision of the soldier. 



" His powers of attraction extended even to 

 animals ; and it was touching to see his large 

 white Persian cat following him from room to 

 room, escaping from the caresses of others to nestle 

 by him. I have often watched the pretty creature 

 as he threw himself exhausted with the day's work 

 on an easy-chair or sofa, rubbing himself against 

 his master, whisking the long white tail against 

 his fair moustache, and courting the endearments 

 liberally bestowed. Restless with others, pussy was 

 at rest if established by him. 



" At Delhi there was a wild shy little kitten 

 which fled from every one else, but mewed provok- 

 ingly whenever he appeared — would jump on his 

 knee with all the familiarity of an old friend. 



" With his horses he had the same power of 

 domestication. They yielded to the sound of his 

 voice with the instinct that seemed to convey to 

 all that in him they had found master and 

 friend. . . . 



