XIII.— A FEW FALLS 



Perhaps I have been more fortunate than many- 

 steeplechase jockeys in respect to falls, but I 

 have certainly had my share, and some of them 

 were very severe. Whilst I have broken both 

 collar-bones several times, put my shoulders out, 

 had my ribs injured, and my head knocked about 

 as though there were nothing in it worth pre- 

 servation, I have never broken my arms or legs 

 or neck, and I suppose that for such relief I 

 must be thankful. 



Periods of insensibility after a wicked 

 " crumpler " have been frequently my portion. 

 I have been shaken almost to death more than 

 once. And some people say that we are well 

 paid ! What ordinary man would care to take 

 such risks as those indicated, even if he were 

 told to name his own terms, and to come for 

 the money with a bag? It was no doubt with 

 such facts in mind that a resident at Newmarket 

 asked a friend whether he did not think that an 



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