"The Cat's" First Steeplechase 



allowed their sons and daughters to do likewise. But in this 

 instance, determined as we were to have our own way in 

 every particular, we felt that to organize a real grown-up 

 steeplechase without the aid of our elders was absolutely im- 

 possible. We had, therefore, to consider seriously how we 

 could best " work the oracle," or in other words, how we could 

 get our mother's and grandmother's consent and assistance. 

 In minor matters, such as riding, hunting, playing quoits, foot- 

 ball, cricket, etc., we had always been successful, and did as we 

 liked ; but we felt that more diplomacy than we had ever 

 exercised before was necessary, if we were to be allowed to 

 organize the projected race meeting. 



At last we decided upon our plan of campaign, which was 

 to approach the enemy individually. Maunsell being my 

 mother's favourite was told off to attack her, and my brother 

 Willie being his grandmother's boy was to bring up his forces 

 to bear upon her in like manner. My part was that of a 

 deeply interested spectator, who gave the weight of her 

 influence and support to the attacking party ; the more so as 

 my precious pony was to be ridden in the race by Maunsell, 

 who, as I had been forbidden to ride him myself in the race, 

 would, I knew, place his mount in the best position possible. 



Stout and self-willed as our hearts were, so much depended 

 upon the glad consent of our elders, that I remember well, 

 pulses were beating pretty fast when the great subject was 

 broached to them. But oh ! the joy when permission was 

 given — just permission at first, but which very soon afterwards, 

 no doubt after anxious consultation with others, developed 

 into an enthusiasm almost as great as ours over the whole 

 business. 



Certain stipulations, however, were made. The race was 

 to be run over our own land ; the fences to be thoroughly well 



33 d 



