A DOCTOR'S ADVICE 



attentively to him, but eventually stiiick in with : 

 " I have to ride in the Derby next week. I must ; I 

 have the chance of a good mount." 



Sir Francis expostulated with me on the madness 

 of it, and told me that he would not be responsible 

 for anything which might happen. He was very 

 emphatic. 



Of course I rode in the Derby. It shows what one 

 can do in a fanciful mood. I know that when I have 

 been broke I have had no hallucinations — is that the 

 right word ? — about being ill, but on a big earning 

 capacity and with a full bank I often found myself 

 nervous about my heart, my lungs, my — well, especi- 

 ally the former. It was very delightful of the Prince 

 of Wales to mention to Lord William that there was 

 just the odd interest taken by him in my health. It 

 was just on a par with all he did for those he took any 

 passing or permanent interest in. I must add too that 

 Lord William used to say to me : " Little man, you 

 must look after yourself " — and this wasn't because 

 he wanted me to do nothing but ride for him ; it was 

 something altogether above that — a great good man's 

 interest. Would to God he had lived ! And I will 

 go further — I cannot think but that had he lived some 

 greater consideration — if only in a spirit of clemency — 

 would have been extended to me. God ! it is a 

 terrible thing to be barred for life. What can be the 

 reason of it all ? Surely someone must realise the 

 fierce difficulties of living without a licence to follow 

 one's calling. 



Going back to doctors and surgeons I must here put 

 down my heartfelt thanks to all of them, for I do not 

 suppose that the fees I have had to pay have amounted 

 to more than one hundred pounds in my life — and I 

 was a bit of an " inquirer " on the " ailment stakes." 



249 



