THE KADIR CUP 195 



early, to go round the 120 to 150 horses that are 

 running, and to meet old friends. The line next 

 morning is a fine sight, with 50 elephants crowded 

 with competitors, spectators, and a fair sprinkling 

 of ladies. In front is the line of 150 coolies, with 

 the flag elephant, signallers, and the shikaries on 

 their camels. Ahead are the three heats with their 

 umpires. 



I quote from a description of my mother's : 



Well worth a study are many of the competitors, men 

 from all parts of India, of all branches and professions. 

 Here is clearly distinguishable a veteran, his good horse 

 marked with scars perhaps, honourable mementos of the 

 chase, nursing the umpire, riding in his pocket as it were, 

 to get the best of the start. There is a youngster fidgeting 

 and prancing, showing the strain on horse and rider ; here, 

 again, a well-known cross-country rider on a blood steeple- 

 chaser; and so on with endless variety. 



All stand still till a wave of the master's hand causes the 

 line to advance, in a silence broken only by the swish of 

 the beater's sticks and the passage of the elephants through 

 the golden, waving grass and thick green bushes. 



A sudden shout proclaims that a boar has broken, and 

 that the heat nearest can be seen following their umpire 

 in pursuit. When satisfied that all see the pig, and that 

 it is rideable, down goes the flag, and faint on the breeze 

 comes the thrilling word " Ride." 



Meantime the halted line follows, with deep interest 

 and raised glasses, the fortune of the chase. The leader's 

 quick start and gallant ride, the desperate efforts of those 

 behind, the sudden jink, the neck-and-neck race with 

 the second man, another jink, a horse down perhaps, 

 and then — the spear ; one man pulling up and showing 

 his spear for blood to the umpire, the others riding on 

 to kill. 



And last, and by no means least, comes the suspense 

 while the umpire signals to the flag elephant, visible every- 

 where, the number of the winner ; the flag elephant then 



