68 mXi l3ob. 



cast eyes on. Bob Greenfield bought me at Rugby 

 Fair from Pat Murphy, and it was when he "set" 

 the field on me with the Pytchley over a hog-backed 

 stile into a lane, that I first came under my late 

 master's notice ; yet, although I know Greenfield 

 only gave 60 for me, and had just a little back (for I 

 heard the deal), I also know that 1 was, at the time 

 I write of, a downright cheap horse at 90 guineas 

 to the Squire, at which figure I was transferred to 

 the Hall stables next day. 



At first I think he was a bit afraid of me, for I 

 was very keen to be in front then, but little by little 

 he got to trust me, and that his confidence was not 

 greatly misplaced I think you will admit when I 

 unhesitatingly avow that I only gave him two falls 

 during the five seasons I carried him. By Jove! what 

 a clinker that was with the Cottesmore — there were 

 only three of us got high and dry over the big brook 

 that day, for sixteen feet of naked water takes some 

 doing ; and I might there and then have again 

 changed hands for a couple of hundred, although I 

 had not as yet been hunted throughout two seasons. 

 His lordship offered that for me ; I forget his name, 

 though he used to go well, too ; but the guv'nor said 

 (and how well I remember the vv^ords), " No ; he is 

 the best and gamest horse I ever owned, and / will 

 never sell him, thank yoii all the same.''' 



