A Chat with Sam Hills 9 1 



After a short and exhilarating period with Mr. Waldo, 

 when some of the runs were exceptionally brilliant, Sam 

 Hills went back to his father and the Old Surrey as second 

 whip, his brother Morris having gone to the Queen's stag- 

 hounds. Sam acted as second whip for three seasons, and 

 then as first whip for five seasons. After that he was 

 appointed huntsman — a position which he filled with 

 success and distinction, as stated, for no fewer than thirty- 

 two years continuously. His record is not likely to be 

 beaten ; and it is one of which he may well be proud. 



During his long association with these hounds, Sam 

 served under four Masters, namely, Messrs. Castendeick, 

 Hood, Mortimer, and Byron, to all of whom he accords 

 a hearty tribute of admiration for their sterling sporting 

 qualities. Towards the last Mr. Castendeick did not ride, 

 owing to physical disability, but the others were exceed- 

 ingly keen. " Mr. Mortimer was a fine horseman," said 

 Sam, " with good hands, sound judgment, and discretion ; 

 whilst Mr. Byron rode with rare dash and determination. 

 Nothing stopped him when hounds were running." 



Questioned as to his own riding feats — and some of 

 them must have been heroic — Sam modestly disclaimed 

 the credit of any splendid achievements in that line. But 

 we could not let him off at that. We have seen the way 

 in which he used to get over a difficult country in pursuit 

 of fox, and, accordingly, we pressed for more illuminating 

 particulars. 



" What about falls?" we asked, and waited with a thrill 

 of anticipation. "Grief" is always an interesting subject. 



