20 REMINISCENCES OF A HUNTSMAN 



which, to boot. The horse seemed all right the day I bought it, 

 and was warranted sound ; but the next morning its name was 

 Hobbler, for it could not put one foot, after standing still, 

 before the other. On discovering this, I ran down to the 

 dealer's stables doors locked, and no go ! the neighbours 

 informing me that he had left overnight. On this I returned 

 to* barracks, and despatched a letter to my bankers, desiring 

 them not to pay the cheque I had given. The letter was in 

 time, and I was done out of nothing but my horse, still having 

 a horse, such as it was, in hand. 



I cannot help being amused now at the things I used to do, 

 and that a good many of us used to do, in the way of duty with 

 the regiment as fine a regiment as any in the world, and with 

 the best set of non-commissioned officers. In the mounting 

 guard, when I was a novice in the service, a funny thing occurred 

 in marching up to Buckingham Palace. The excellent non- 

 commissioned officer was aware that I was a novice, and he saw 

 around us many spectators, so, by way of caution to the guard, 

 in case I gave a wrong word, he said softly to the men, " Now, 

 men, in marching up, don't you mind what your officer says ; 

 you go right." However, I did not give a wrong word, and the 

 caution, though well intended, but oddly expressed, was not 

 necessary. 



Assisting to keep a pack of hounds, and doing duty with a 

 regiment, don't go cosily together. It was hunting day, and I 

 was named for parade in waiting, in case any of the officers who 

 were down for the respective guards fell ill. I ought to have 

 been on parade, but settling it in my own mind that all the 

 chaps were in full health, and that I should not be wanted, I 

 stayed at Cranford, and went out hunting. Oh, by Jove ! what 

 an armed spectre appeared in the courtyard at Cranford, to 

 greet my return from the chase ! He took away all appetite 

 for dinner ! It was an orderly dragoon, with an express, to bid 

 me appear at the Horse Guards next morning, in uniform. 



Having filled up that unpleasant document, and dismissed 

 the dragoon, the next morning saw me in the Orderly Room, 



