1 84 The Pytchley Hunt, Past and Present. 



sweeping along, swollen and angry_, witli a strong, deep 

 current^ and much diverted from its usual cliannel. The 

 stream was about sixty yards broad at this spot, and the 

 feriy was under the charge of the Newby Hall gardener 

 and his son. Sir Charles Slingsby was the first to enter, 

 and was followed by fourteen or fifteen gentlemen with 

 their horses, there being accommodation for only about 

 half that number. Those in the boat were the Master, 

 Sir C. Slingsby, Sir G. Wombwell, Ovis (the Whip), 

 Captain Vyner, Mr. C. Yyner, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Robinson, 

 Major Mussenden (8th Hussars), Captain Molyneux, the 

 Hon. H. Molyneux, and some other officers stationed at 

 York. Lord Downe, Lord Lascelles, and others, not 

 being able to find room in the boat, awaited its return on 

 the bank. Ere one- third the distance had been traversed, 

 the Master's horse became restive, and kicked the animal 

 belonging to Sir G. Wombwell. The latter returned it, 

 and a sort of panic set in amongst the horses. The boat 

 swayed from side to side in a most alarming manner, and 

 finally fairly turned bottom upwards. The scene that 

 ensued is reported by a witness to have been heartrending 

 in the extreme. Heads began to appear in difierent parts 

 of the stream to sink again, and arms and hands were 

 flung up in mute despair. Horses were seen to battle 

 with the current, striking out with all their energy, but, 

 unable to resist the impetuosity of the stream, they were 

 carried away and sank. Lines formed of whips were tied 

 together and thrown within reach of the drowning men, 

 and several beams of wood were launched on the surface 

 of the water. Captain Vyner saved himself by clinging 

 to the upturned boat, and, reaching the top of it, was 

 able to save Sir G. Wombwell, and afterwards one of the 



