SIR JOHN KENNEDY, 1814-1841 



and after getting over invariably looked back to 

 watch my proceedings. When unable to pound me 

 he evidently appeared disappointed, but still con- 

 tinued his reckless riding without being able to 

 shake me off. The chase was so long that the great 

 bulk of those present at the break were already 

 disposed of. Aylmer, one of the whips and myself 

 only were well up, when we came suddenly in view 

 of a canal as wide as a river which lay before us. 

 The fox first took the soil, the hounds following 

 him in full cry when Aylmer turned in his saddle, 

 and crying to me, " Now then for it," dashed to my 

 horror at a lock which was just before him. The 

 horse started from a platform of roughly chiselled 

 flag, and landed safely on the other side on similar 

 footing. A crowd of peasants gave a cheer and 

 wished long life to his honour, and I, having pulled 

 my horse off, stood in mute astonishment, when 

 Sugu rushing by shouted " Bravo master Robin, 

 the divil himself couldn't bate you " and then run- 

 ning over a board which afforded passage to foot 

 people, he waved his corbeen round his head, and 

 politely wished me good morning. 



I have since then hunted much in various coun- 

 tries, and never have I seen any man attempt to take 

 such a jump as Aylmer rode overthat day. The empty 

 lock was twenty-two measured feet in the clear and 

 thirty feet in depth, and lined all through with 

 granite, and had the horse failed in covering it, 

 inevitable death must have been the fate of both 

 steed and rider. A bridge concealed by a plantation 



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