42 CHASING AND RACING 



angling line, so we sat down in the shade and dis- 

 coursed of old times and old pals, many of them gone 

 ahead. In a few months' time, the cheery companion 

 of that day passed along. 



** Willie " Hall Walker, who afterwards was 

 raised to the peerage under the title of Lord Waver- 

 tree, was an exceptionally fine horseman. I often 

 wondered that he did not take to riding under legitimate 

 rules, for he had a beautiful seat, the best of hands 

 and perfect judgment. His average wins as compared 

 to mounts was phenomenal. Another fine horseman 

 was H. C. Bentley whom I have already alluded to 

 as the pilot of Catona. When it came to the sticks 

 or steeplechasing, like Walker, he was well equipped 

 for the sport toward in every particular. He was of a 

 singularly reserved and rather lofty disposition; he 

 never showed excitement and seldom smiled, but one 

 day I saw him fairly disgruntled. 



A special race had been provided at Hurlingham 

 for ponies 13.2 and under. I had nothing of this 

 height at the time but was keen on having a cut in, 

 so Jesse Winfield received the usual " office " and 

 soon reported that he had " the goods " for me, which 

 turned out to be a varmint-looking little mare named 

 Sarah. I had nothing approaching her own size 

 to try her with, but thought if she could make any 

 sort of show against Catona at three stone, she would 

 be pretty useful among the class she would be likely 

 to meet at Hurlingham ; so I arranged for a spin, 



