AND TIMES OF JOHN OSBORNE 



3G7 



1886, on Tommy Tittlemouse at the last-named place 

 in the Castle Plate, in which he was unplaced to Indian 

 Star. When Archer returned from Lewes, feeling ill, 

 he retired to his bed. His medical attendant, as', 

 indeed, did Archer himself, thought that he had caught 

 a chill, and though they were apprehensive that some 

 troublesome disorder might develop, his friends were 

 scarcely prepared for the serious turn his illness took. 

 Between the previous Saturday and Sunday unmis- 

 takable symptoms of typhoid fever asserted themselves. 

 Whilst his once robust constitution was affected, a still 

 more serious symptom was seen in its effect upon his ^ 

 mind. About twenty-five minutes after two o'clock 

 on the afternoon of Monday, 8th November, 1886, 

 Archer's nurse left him alone with his sister, Mrs. 

 Colman, in order that the latter might have some 

 private talk with him. At a moment when Mi^. Colman 

 was looking out of the window, Archer suddenly got out 

 of bed and seized a revolver which was in the room. 

 Mrs. Colman sprang towards him, but he was too quick 

 for her, for, as she caught hold of him, he instantly put 

 the barrel of the revolver in liis mouth and fired. He 

 sank bleeding and dying in her arms. Though over- 

 whelmed with the fearful sight, his poor sister tottered 

 to the bell and rang for assistance, which was quickly 

 -at hand, but unavailing. The bullet had passed out of 

 the back of the neck, and blood was flowing profusely 

 from the mouth and ears. A doctor, who speedily 

 arrived, pronounced the greatest jockey of his time to 

 be dead. His tragic end caused the deepest emotion, 

 surprise, and sorrow amongst the followers of the Turf. 

 In explanation of the revolver being in his room, it was 

 stated that he had bought it in consequence of the 

 -exposed situation of his residence, and because of some 



