CHAPTER VIII. 



Some Steeplechase Horses. 



On another occasion, Captain Browne and I went to the 

 Grand Military Eaces, when they were held at Windsor 

 on a course which has long ago been built over, but the 

 same one on which poor Lord Kossmore was killed a few 

 years afterwards. It was a very big course, of the old- 

 fashioned type, with a post and rail to jump ; a very high, 

 strong, quickset hedge, on the far side of which was " the 

 town drain " — a wide, deep, natural ditch, the approach 

 being over ridge and furrow, downhill ; and a lane to go in 

 and out of twice. 



We had neither of us been engaged for the Gold Cup, 

 though we were both of us riding in minor races; but 

 as soon as we got on to the course, we were very soon 

 asked to ride in the big race. A short time before 

 starting, the " Driver " came to me with a long face, to 

 say that a match had been made between our mounts, 

 wherever we finished, and that, in consequence, we were 

 to ride the race out, wherever we might be. We had no 

 idea of figuring for the amusement of the multitude, but 

 there was no time for remonstrance ; so I replied that I 

 did not think it would matter, if we made it generally 

 known beforehand, adding that he had better tell all his 

 friends about it, and that I would do the same with mine. 



