HISTORY OF THE YORK AND A IN STY HUNT 



was some way down the stream, in the full force of 

 the current. He struggled gamely to reach the boat, 

 but it was hopeless. If he had only turned and swum 

 with the stream, in all human probability he would 

 have been saved ; for when he was finally exhausted 

 he sank (still struggling to reach the boat) close to the 

 north shore, whither he had been carried by the stream, 

 but where, unfortunately, there was no one to help. 

 Old Saltfish followed his master like a dog to the very 

 end, and at last swam past him, unfortunately with the 

 near side next to Sir Charles, who with his last effort 

 tried to grasp the horse's neck ; but the mane being 

 on the opposite side, he only succeeded in catching the 

 bridle. Both immediately sank — Sir Charles never to 

 be seen again alive, but the old horse rose again to 

 the surface, and then swam ashore. 



' Mr. Robinson — who was always extremely nervous 

 in crossing ferries, as he was unable to swim, and 

 always entertained a horror of being drowned — according 

 to his usual custom, never got off his horse on entering 

 the boat, and when it upset he rose several yards down 

 stream, still sitting on his horse. He looked calmly 

 round, as if to choose the best landing-place, when his 

 horse suddenly sank, either from being exhausted before 

 he came to the top, or from the reins being touched 

 to guide him ashore. After two fearful shrieks, Mr. 

 Robinson went down. 



' Captain Key, being the last on board, succeeded in 

 jumping clear of the boat as it turned over, and 

 fortunately being carried against the chain, was able, 

 by making use of it, to reach the shore in safety. Sir 

 George Wombwell, who may consider this as the most 

 fortunate of his many narrow escapes from death, came 

 to the surface on the up-stream side of the boat, against 

 which he was carried, and was promptly rescued by Mr. 

 Clare Vyner, though he himself was too far gone to 

 make the slightest effort to save himself, and was even 

 unaware by what means he was saved. 



' In the meantime those on shore had promptly done 

 all in their power. Whips were knotted together; but, 

 as the river was at least eighty yards from bank to 



