CHASING AND RACING 215 



On one occasion he was riding in a steeplechase in 

 which there was only one other runner. About three 

 fences from home, Roddy's mount " sat down," and, 

 becoming detached from its rider, scampered off out 

 of the course as soon as it had regained its legs, 

 leaving its erstwhile rider disconsolate. 



So the latter's opponent went on his own sweet 

 way ; but lo i at the next fence his gee refused, and in 

 spite of vigorous persuasion persisted in remaining on 

 the wrong side of it. A stalwart policeman, mounted 

 on a hairy-heeled weight carrier, scenting trouble, had 

 galloped to administer first aid to the disgruntled 

 Roddy, who, seeing what had befallen his rival, im- 

 mediately commandeered the ponderous steed of 

 authority and proceeded to give chase to his own 

 derelict, which, after an exciting run, he succeeded in 

 capturing. Having changed mounts he turned the 

 base-born gee adrift and hied him back to the race- 

 course, just as the other guy was making the sixth futile 

 attempt to surmount the final fence. In a flash Roddy 

 was upsides, and then over the obstruction in a twink- 

 ling, and although the recalcitrant one accepted the 

 lead, the Captain got first run and landed the race 

 cleverly. 



Although Roddy was continuously in the saddle 

 he did not neglect his soldiering. He had the reputa- 

 tion of being an exceptionally smart officer. But on 

 one occasion there was in orders a very important 

 inspection, when our hero's application for leave (usually 



