CAPTAIN WARNER'S CLOSING SEASONS 135 



On my return from hunting with the Quorn on 

 Monday, gth March, I found a wire awaiting me to 

 say that it was fixed to take place at Reigate the 

 following day. I reached London about 11.30, and 

 found a blizzard blowing. The snow, which was 

 like fine dust, found its way through the cracks in 

 the hansom window-flap, so that on reaching Victoria 

 I might have been taken for Father Christmas or 

 an out-of-work baker. 



Have no idea what time the train should 

 have arrived at Reigate, but it landed me there 

 about two o'clock in the morning — cold and 

 hungry. 



The platform heaped high with snow, and the 

 roads to the station blocked. It must have lain 

 nearly three feet deep on the level. 



I trudged through this to the " White Hart," 

 carrying my bag, and on arriving there was told 

 every bedroom was occupied. Lord Lonsdale had 

 gone to bed some two hours previously ; but learnt 

 Major " Sugar " Candy had only just retired, and 

 a few minutes later I was banging at his door. 

 In response to a gruff " What do you want ? " I 

 told him I wanted the use of his floor to sleep on. 

 Every hotel blanket was in use, but a fur coat is not 

 a bad substitute ! Lord Lonsdale arranged matters 

 for me next night, and I spent a very pleasant time 

 until the match on Thursday. 



There were several well-known press men, and a 

 very jolly party. I can't remember them, all now, 

 but there was John Sturgess, senior, " Pot " Stevens, 

 " Fatty " Coleman, and " Swears.'* Sir John Astley 

 (the Mate) was there part of the time, but had to 

 leave before the match. 



