CHAPTER IX 



"RODDY OWEN" 



A BIOGRAPHY of " Roddy Owen," which was 

 written by his sister, and edited by Mr. Watson, 

 the editor of the Badminton Magazine, gave an 

 interesting account of the closing scenes of his 

 life. It did not, however, remind us of the 

 popular steeplechase-rider as we knew him ; for, 

 when engaged on active service, "Roddy's" 

 genial disposition underwent a change. So let 

 us recall the peculiarities of his horsemanship, 

 which gave him a position in Turf history that 

 was almost unique — for we may state without 

 exaggeration that no cross-country rider excited 

 more comments over a stiff steeplechase course. 



Either in or out of the saddle, there was 

 something peculiarly fascinating about Major 

 Owen, who was as bold as a lion, with a good 

 deal of society affectation on the surface and a 

 great depth of character carefully concealed. 

 His healthy complexion had been bronzed in 

 India ; he seemed sublimely self-assured, and was 

 very military-looking ; in fact, a man of the world, 

 with an unfailing supply of tact. 



"Roddy's" hawk-like face would have been hard 

 had it not been brightened by a mischievous pair 

 of eyes. His features were clearly cut, and the 



