Big Fences. 175 



go direct at the brook and then turn short at the high 

 fence. So, anyhow, it would take some " doing." The 

 second jump was an ordinary Irish double in front of 

 the impromptu stand, on which had assembled all the 

 rank and beauty of Cawnpore to view the chase. As I 

 felt certain I could win, I made the conditions of the 

 race so that Rebecca should run on equal terms with 

 the platers, although she was a maiden of the season. 

 This, on my part, looked well, and prevented her from 

 being made a warm favourite. Mr. Short on Don Juan, 

 Mr. Hartwell on Marquis, Mr. Germany on Poor Cripple, 

 faced the starter. Mr. Short, who had helped me in 

 making the course, and Mr. Germany jumped off in 

 front the moment the flag fell. I kept just behind, 

 Avhile Mr. Hartwell was outpaced. The two leaders, on 

 getting over the first fence, raced at the Irish double, Mr. 

 Short being a couple of lengths ahead. Don Juan was 

 going so fast that he could not collect himself, so struck 

 the bank, rolled over, and fell on his rider, breaking his 

 collar bone and most of his ribs on one side. Poor 

 Cripple topped the double cleverly, and then, seeing Mr. 

 Short and Don Juan lying on the ground, " threw such a 

 lep" that he jumped Mr. Germany out of the saddle and 

 then stood still. Dignum being at hand, and having 



