10 sportsmen Parsons tn Peace and War 



camels mounted by native orderlies, and all the usual race- 

 meeting accompaniments. 



It was surprising that we killed nobody. A few people were 

 hurt by falling over one another in their endeavours to get out 

 of the way, and one horse that was being led, when we ajj- 

 proached, let fly with his heels, catching a box balanced on the 

 head of a " box-waller " or travelling merchant, throwing him 

 to the ground with some violence. 



For a time he declared his back was broken, and never more 

 would he be able to support his grandmother, great-great- 

 grandmother, wife, and many brothers, and we must pay 

 accordingly. Finding we were not as credulous or as sym- 

 pathetic as he had hoped we might be, he changed his damage 

 to a broken neck, for which he wanted smaller recompense. 

 Only a trifle for his neck. 



My memory travels back to other days, from the ridiculous 

 to the sublime, to the English church in the Lucknow Canton- 

 ment, the Padre standing in the pulpit with his Victoria Cross 

 and medals showing up on his white surplice as he preached to 

 his large congregation, composed of the majority of the English 

 people in the station. It was an impressive scene : the crowds 

 of soldiers in their different uniforms, the beautiful singing of 

 the choir composed entirely of soldiers, the hymns sung so 

 heartily and yet so tenderly. I feel as if I can hear them now 

 singing softly : 



" Faith of our fathers, Holy Faith, 

 We will be true to thee till death," 



It is a pleasant memory. I like remembering this good man 

 surrounded by those who loved him because he was brave, 

 tender, and true, ready at all times to give away half of what 

 he possessed, or even more, and anxious to share both the 

 sorrows and joys of his flock. 



He was not a great preacher, for at no time had he a 

 great command of language, and was certainly not at his best 

 in the pulpit, where he had a curious irritating cough which 

 troubled him at no other time ; but he was a fine example of a 

 good man leading a grand life which was worth more than many 

 sermons. 



I have many times wished he could have given expression to 



