278 The Life of Fred Archer 
all times self-respecting and respectful in his bearing, and you 
could not talk to him long without being struck by his 
singularly instinctive gentleness, 
" Just before I left his home he told me with significant 
cheerfulness that he should be glad when the work of the year 
was over, as he contemplated taking a tour of India. He looked 
forward with great gratification to this holiday — unhappily now 
forbidden to him — as likely to yield him much pleasure and 
permanent benefit to his health. There can be but one feeling 
in the public mind, that of profound regret that he was not 
spared to carry out his plan for restoring the vitality of his 
sharply-tried frame." 
" Burlington House, 
" October 30, 1886. 
" To Fred Archer, Falmouth Lodge. 
' ' Will you dine with me to-morrow (Sunday) at eight ? 
Come if possible ; only a few people, and no reporters. Answer 
paid. — Lord Cairns, 10, Bolton Street." 
To return to Archer's racing, he missed Lincoln, but went 
to Brighton on Wednesday and Thursday without riding a 
winner, and on the first day at Lewes he finished by riding 
Tommy Tittlemouse, who started at odds on in the Castle 
Plate, but was unplaced. 
That was his last mount, for Archer was gradually feeling 
worse. He had caught a chill and he decided to return the 
same night home, and did so. As soon as the race was over he 
communicated his decision to the trainer. Gurry, and Archer 
must have been really ill, for he was afraid to travel alone and 
asked Gurry to go with him. 
This Gurry consented to do, and on reaching Liverpool 
Street Archer had a basin of arrowroot with a little brandy in it. 
In the train to Cambridge Archer went to sleep, and on 
awakening said he felt quite a new man. 
