72 Memoir of Tom Smith. 



broken bone lie got in the following way. He 

 was, during a run, riding out of a farmyard 

 where tlie manure was knee-deep, and his horse 

 hit the unfastened gate before his hind legs 

 were fairly oyer; the gate swung open, and 

 caught the horse's leg between the two upper 

 bars ; down went his rider, and broke his col- 

 lar-bone. Though in great pain, he managed 

 to lift the gate off the hooks, and thus saved 

 his horse's leg ; but the effort gave his own 

 broken bone a terrible wrench. He was taken 

 into the farm-house, and had a glass of vinegar 

 — his constant practice in such cases — and was 

 sent home. This may be a useful hint; for 

 though he cannot explain how it acts, he 

 knows that he, and others too, have found it 

 most beneficial. In a fortnight he rode to see 

 the hounds, with his arm bound firmly to his 

 side. Tliis accident should be a caution to 

 young men to ^4ook before they leap," and to 

 see whether a gate opens to or from them. He 

 ought to have done so himself; but the fact is, 



